Worldwide 2024-25

WORLDWIDE 2024-25

SMALL-GROUP TOURS & TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL

LATIN AMERICA • INDIAN SUBCONTINENT • MIDDLE EAST

CENTRAL ASIA • EUROPE • AFRICA • FAR EAST

Dear Traveller,

I believe travel is the only thing we buy that leaves us feeling richer.

It has the power to connect us with people from wildly different

backgrounds, to challenge our preconceptions, and to surprise us

with experiences you won’t find in any guidebook. The group tours

and private holidays featured in this brochure are your ticket to

those inspiring encounters.

Inside, you’ll find several additions to the Cox & Kings collection.

This includes exciting new group tours to Italy, Albania, Kosovo, Peru

and the Galápagos Islands; and more tailor-made itineraries exploring

Africa, Europe, Central Asia, Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.

There remains an undeniable romance to travelling by rail and river,

as we reveal in dedicated sections on cruising the Mekong and

crossing Europe by train; and featured train journeys in Central Asia

and South America.

Whether you travel with us alongside friends and family, or solo

– as almost a quarter of our guests enjoy doing – you can expect

immersive cultural activities, round-the-clock support, small group

sizes, and expert local guides as standard. We look forward to

taking you on your next great adventure.

With best regards,

Geoffrey Kent

Founder and Chairman Emeritus,

Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group

Follow @geoffrey_kent on Instagram

IMAGES

TOP L-R: Amalfi coast, Italy; City Palace, Jaipur, India;

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina; Blue mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

MIDDLE L-R: Southern-right whale, South Africa; Chefchaouen, Morocco;

Blue-footed boobies, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: Vintage American car, Havana, Cuba

BOTTOM L-R: Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, India; Azulejo tiles, Porto, Portugal; Mt Fuji, Japan; Jodhpur, India

3

NORTH AFRICA &

Contents 12 THE MIDDLE EAST 48 LATIN AMERICA

14 EGYPT

16 Ancient Wonders of Cairo & the Nile

18 MOROCCO

20 Moroccan Explorer:

Imperial Cities to Desert

22 JORDAN

26 Splendours of Jordan

29 ISRAEL & THE PALESTINIAN

TERRITORIES

30 Treasures of Israel

32 The Wonders of Jordan & Jerusalem

34 OMAN

34 Oman: An Arabian Odyssey

50 PERU

52 Train to Machu Picchu

54 Treasures of Peru

Solo Travellers tour

56 ECUADOR & THE GALÁPAGOS

58 NEW TOUR

Peru & Galápagos Odyssey

60 CHILE

62 Splendours of Chile

64 ARGENTINA

66 Patagonia: Untouched Wilderness

68 Wonders of the New World

70 BRAZIL

CENTRAL ASIA

36 & BEYOND

40 UZBEKISTAN

42 Uzbekistan: Heart of Central Asia

44 Uzbekistan: The Golden Road

to Samarkand

46 PAKISTAN

46 Pakistan: Persians, Mughals & Mystics

71 COLOMBIA

72 Treasures of Colombia

74 SOUTH AMERICA

74 Splendours of South America

76 Grand Tour of South America

78 MEXICO

80 Highlights of Mexico

82 CUBA

82 Splendours of Cuba

84 COSTA RICA

86 Natural Splendours of Costa Rica

88 Panama & Costa Rica Experience

90 Splendours of Central America

Front cover: Woman dressed in

traditional costume, Jaipur, Rajasthan,

India © 2024 Eurasia/robertharding

Design & production: Cox & Kings

Printing: Buxton Press

Photography: Abercrombie & Kent,

Shutterstock, Robert Harding,

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View our full range of itineraries, hotels and experiences at CoxandKings.co.uk

THE INDIAN

92 SUBCONTINENT

142 EUROPE

186 AFRICA

94 NORTH INDIA

100 The Golden Triangle & Shimla

102 Passage through Rajasthan

104 The Grand Tour of India

106 Exotic India

108 Journey through the Himalayan

Foothills

110 SOUTH INDIA

112 Treasures of Southern India

114 Passage through Kerala

116 SRI LANKA

118 Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island

120 Splendours of Sri Lanka

144 EUROPE BY RAIL

146 ITALY

148 NEW TOUR

Neapolitan Treasures: Caserta,

Sorrento & Pompeii

150 Classic Sicily

152 Puglia & Basilicata

154 NEW TOUR

Lombardy & Veneto by Rail

156 Ravenna: Mosaics & Marbles

157 MALTA

157 Majestic Malta

158 SPAIN & PORTUGAL

160 Splendours of Andalucía

162 Journey through the Heart of Spain

188 MADAGASCAR

190 Madagascar Wildlife Adventure

192 SOUTH AFRICA

194 Highlights of South Africa

196 NAMIBIA

198 KENYA, TANZANIA & UGANDA

200 Highlights of Kenya

202 Ultimate Tour: In the Footsteps

of the Great Migration

190 ZIMBABWE & BOTSWANA

122 THE FAR EAST

164 GREECE

166 The Heart of Ancient Greece

168 The Wonders of Ancient Crete

124 JAPAN

126 Japan's Cultural Treasures

128 SOUTH-EAST ASIA

130 Spirit of Vietnam

132 Grand Tour of Indochina

134 MEKONG RIVER CRUISING

136 CHINA

136 China Experience

138 China: The Grand Tour

170 TURKEY & THE CAUCASUS

172 Classical Turkey

174 Istanbul: Byzantines & Ottomans

176 Across the Southern Caucasus

178 Armenia & Georgia: Treasures of

the Caucasus

180 THE BALKANS & BEYOND

182 EASTERN EUROPE

182 Timeless Romania

184 NEW TOUR

Across Albania & Kosovo

140 TAIWAN

140 Taiwan: The Beautiful Island

For more information or to book, contact us on 020 4502 8398 or speak to your travel agent

5

Find your next adventure

This brochure provides a glimpse of the

authentic, globe-spanning travel experiences

that we offer. Remember that our friendly

team is on hand to arrange your perfect

journey – whether it’s seeking out sloths in

Costa Rica, roaming ancient ruins in Crete, or

discovering the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan.

Anything is possible.

“Exceptional service… They organise whatever I want

and the great thing about their group tours is that

they always include some free time.”

– Haig, Trustpilot review

Your adventure, your way

Join a group of like-minded travellers, explore

exclusively with your nearest and dearest, or

embark on a solo adventure. All the escorted

group tours featured inside can be taken on

a shared or private basis. You’ll also notice

several suggested itineraries – designed as

starting points for a private holiday that we can

tailor to your interests, schedule and budget.

Learn more about your destination

We’ve included brief destination guides to help

you decide where to go. Learn all about the

unmissable sights, exemplary accommodation,

and immersive experiences available – from

stargazing in Chile’s Atacama Desert to

Japanese tea ceremonies in Kyoto.

Discover more online

You can browse our full portfolio of inspiring

holidays at CoxandKings.co.uk. For our latest

news, special offers and travel inspiration,

we invite you to subscribe to our regular

e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook,

X and Instagram.

IMAGE: Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India

6


Why travel with Cox & Kings

Award-winning holidays, from

group tours to private escapes

Genuinely small groups on all

escorted tours

Guaranteed departures on tour

dates across the year

Global network giving you access to

exceptional guides and 24/7 support

Full holiday protection for complete

piece of mind

Rail journeys and river cruises

through extraordinary landscapes

Signature Experiences revealing

hidden wonders and cultural secrets

Solo friendly, with dedicated tours

for solo travellers

265 years of being a trusted name

in travel

Supporter of grassroots projects

that give back to local communities

Specialist-led tours focused on

history, art and more

Characterful accommodation

handpicked by our experts

2881

ABTA No.V6398 5154


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Small-group tours Designed by experts

Experience counts for a lot. Years of taking

detailed research trips, speaking to local

experts on the ground and, not least, getting

invaluable feedback from our clients, means

that we bring unsurpassed expertise to

designing touring itineraries. Below are

some of the elements that make our

tours special.

Small group sizes

We like to keep our groups compact and

manageable, with an average group size of 14

and a maximum of 18 on the majority of tours.

Look out for specific details under the ‘tour

features’ on the relevant page.

Solo-friendly travel

Our Solo Travellers group tours allow you to

explore free of single supplements alongside

other solo travellers, and with the guidance of

an experienced tour manager.

Local tour managers

We employ local tour managers for their

in-depth knowledge of the places, people

and culture of your destination, which in turn

supports the local community.

IMAGE: Aït Benhaddou Morocco

Signature Experiences

Each tour includes a number of exceptional

experiences, revealing hidden wonders and

cultural secrets. We specialise in taking travellers,

in comfort, to places off the beaten track and

outside the realms of many other operators.

High-quality accommodation

We take great care in our selection of

accommodation. Typically, we feature welllocated

4- and 5-star hotels.

Balanced pace

Opportunities to relax or explore independently

are built into most tours. However, unlike

other operators we will always include what we

believe are the must-see highlights in the cost

of your tour.

Tailored to you

We are delighted to organise pre- or post-tour

extensions, as well as room and flight upgrades.

Flight flexibility

International economy flights are included

as standard, with the option to choose an

alternative airline (where available), add

regional flights, or join the tour on a

land-only basis.

Tour categories

Our tours fall into one of five comfort

categories, as described below:

Luxury: These are our most comfortable

tours and will usually feature 5-star deluxe

accommodation throughout.

Superior: Most Cox & Kings tours fall under

this category and are based in 4- or 5-star

accommodation where available, or the best

alternative elsewhere.

Standard: Simpler in emphasis, these

itineraries typically feature 4-star or good

3-star accommodation throughout, or the

best alternative elsewhere.

Discovery: Best suited to the hardier traveller,

these tours typically include some quite basic

accommodation, possibly longer and rougher

road journeys and, in some cases, more

strenuous activities.

Specialist-led: Curated and helmed by

specialists in their field, these itineraries are

especially suited to lovers of history, art,

and culture. They often include private visits

unavailable to the wider public, and are based

in 3-, 4- and 5-star accommodation.

8


Tailor-made travel Individually crafted

Cox & Kings has been organising tailormade

journeys for generations. Our travel

consultants are regional specialists with a

wealth of first-hand travel experience. They

will listen to your requirements and design

an itinerary tailored to your needs, no matter

how complex or unique they may be.

Private journeys

All of our group tours can be taken on a

private basis. Please enquire for more details

and pricing.

Personalised service

Throughout the planning process, you will be

guided by your personal travel consultant who

will suggest ideas to complement your own

and create the optimum itinerary to suit your

interests, schedule and budget.

Total flexibility

Travelling by air-conditioned private car, you

will have the flexibility to make stops en route,

where and when you wish.


From market tours and cooking classes to

hot-air balloon rides and epicurean dining, we

can arrange a variety of bespoke, immersive

experiences at your request.

Knowledgeable private guides

An English-speaking local guide will accompany

most sightseeing excursions, so you can ask

as many questions as you like, based on your

particular interests.

Wide choice of accommodation

Whether it’s a sophisticated city-centre hotel

or a back-to-nature wilderness lodge, a luxury

sleeper train or an adventurous river cruise,

we can arrange accommodation to cater to all

tastes and a range of budgets.

Multi-country itineraries

We are experts at combining multiple

countries in a single journey.

Family adventures

We arrange seamless itineraries that include

experiences to inspire older and younger

generations alike.

Honeymoons & special occasions

If you are planning a honeymoon, a special

anniversary holiday, or the journey of a lifetime

to mark retirement, you can trust us to make

the experience carefree and unforgettable.

Slow-paced travel

If you’ve the time, slow-paced travel can be

exceptionally rewarding and allow for deeper

immersion into the local culture. We delight

in organising itineraries that are more gently

paced and less conventional.

Private groups

If you are a member of a club or society,

or simply a group of friends and family

with a shared passion, we can create a

bespoke itinerary to suit your interests,

dates and budget.

Whether it’s an existing tour taken on a

private basis, or a tailor-made itinerary,

when you book for a group of eight or

more, the eighth guest travels for free.

Speak to a Cox & Kings travel consultant

for more details.


9

Solo travel Go solo safely & in good company

The idea of setting off on your own to an unfamiliar destination

can be a daunting prospect, but it needn’t be. More and more

people of all ages and backgrounds are discovering the rewards

of a solo adventure – including 20 per cent of guests on our

group tours.

Cox & Kings has years of experience arranging journeys with solo

travellers in mind. Whether you book one of our Solo Travellers

tours, or join another of our tours as an individual guest, you can

travel solo safely and in good company.

Join like-minded companions

Travelling solo doesn’t have to mean travelling alone. Our group tours

combine the thrill of independent travel with the companionship

of like-minded people and local guides. Forge life-long friendships,

including with fellow solo travellers, as you discover new and exciting

places together.

Go smaller, get closer

We keep our group sizes much smaller than the average travel

operator. This means more interaction with your guides, access to

smaller hotels bursting with character, less time spent gathering

ahead of each day’s activities, and excursions that are less intrusive

for local communities.

You time and shared time

Our tours are designed to strike the right balance between shared

activities and ‘you time’, giving you the best of both worlds.

Spend periods at leisure as you wish, either with or apart from the

group, and enjoy the privacy of your own double or twin room.

Support from start to finish

From your initial conversation with us, to your first step on foreign soil,

to your journey home, we remain on hand for support, guidance

and inspiration – in person, online and over the phone.

IMAGE: Machu Picchu, Peru

10


“The personal touch... You always get the sense

that the company is fronted by real people.

They respond to you as an individual.”

Our Solo Travellers

tours for 2024-25

– Dave Cropp, Trustpilot review

Treasures of Peru (p. 54)

This introductory tour of Peru includes the

country’s most celebrated sights. Explore

ancient, colonial and natural wonders,

beginning in the bustling capital city, Lima.

Panama & Costa Rica Experience (p. 88)

Small in size yet possessing a superb biodiversity,

Costa Rica and Panama offer a wide variety of

eco-systems including volcanoes, rainforest,

cloud forest, lakes, lagoons and beaches.

Hassle-free transfers

We take care of all transfers for your pre-arranged activities,

allowing you to focus on what matters most: the joy of discovery.

For an additional cost, we can also arrange private airport transfers

in the UK – the perfect stress-free start and end to your

solo adventure.

Exotic India (p. 106)

This journey for solo travellers covers the

‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur,

as well as other pretty cities and tigerprowled

national parks.

Save on single supplements

Our dedicated Solo Travellers tours feature no single supplements –

the additional charges often levied against individual guests.

This allows you to explore the world alongside other solo travellers

in a manner that is kinder to your wallet.

Extend your journey

Should you wish to explore more of your destination independently,

Cox & Kings can arrange a private pre- or post-tour extension for your

solo group tour.

Splendours of Sri Lanka (p. 120)

This group tour for solo travellers explores

Sri Lanka’s famed Cultural Triangle and beyond.

Admire ancient cities, scenic hill country,

man-made marvels and abundant wildlife.


11

North Africa &

the Middle East

Small-group tours • Tailor-made travel

Human history is etched into the landscape of the Middle East and North Africa, from the

Roman ruins of Morocco and Jordan’s rock-hewn city of Petra, to the grand pyramids of

Egypt. It is here that Christianity, Judaism and Islam all arose, and where humankind first

began to write.

Under the beating sun, beauty abounds. You will find it in the intricate Islamic architecture,

the dunes artfully sculpted by the elements, the vibrant bazaars brimming with charms and

chatter, and the warm hospitality of the locals.

Whether you are cruising the Nile, exploring millennia-old ruins, or haggling in the souks,

our local guides have the expertise to reveal the best of this storied region. Browse our

comprehensive range of holidays to the Middle East and North Africa, or speak directly to

one of our regional specialists.

Discover North Africa & the Middle East

14 Egypt

18 Morocco

22 Jordan

29 Israel & the Palestinian Territories

Small-group & private tours

16 Egypt: Ancient Wonders of the Nile

20 Moroccan Explorer

26 Splendours of Jordan

30 Treasures of Israel

32 The Wonders of Jordan & Jerusalem

34 Oman: An Arabian Odyssey

Featured on our website:

Jordan: Crusaders, Traders & Raiders • Specialist-led group tour

View our full collection online

The destinations and tours featured in this brochure represent a small

sample of what we offer. Our website contains a wealth of additional

itineraries, detailed country guides and accommodation options.

Speak to our experts

Our specialists have all travelled extensively in their regions and are on hand to offer ideas

and inspiration, advise you during planning, and share their first-hand knowledge.

CoxandKings.co.uk • 020 3930 5211

Image left: The Treasury of Petra, Jordan, as seen on the ‘Splendours of Jordan’ tour, p. 26

13

NORTH AFRICA • EGYPT

Discover Egypt

Egypt has been a magnet for cultural

travellers since the 19th century. Today,

anyone with a keen interest in ancient

history will be just as enthralled by a country

that is blessed with an extraordinary

number of spectacular archaeological sites.

After a stay in Cairo, many visitors take a

relaxing multi-night Nile cruise, as most of

the country’s historic sites are spread along

the river’s banks. Cruises usually depart

from Aswan or Luxor, and there is a wide

variety of cruising vessels available; the

larger boats have up to 60 cabins, while

the smallest and most intimate vessel, the

dahabeya, is powered by sails and has just

six cabins.

IMAGE

Cairo

Pyramids and the Great Sphinx at Giza •

Ancient Khan el-Khalili souk

No visit to Egypt would be complete without a

stay in its capital, Cairo. On its east side stands

the evidence of 2,000 years of Islamic, Christian

Coptic and Jewish culture. On its west side lies

the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis (Giza),

capital of the old kingdom; the Great Sphinx;

and the Pyramids.

Luxor

East Bank temples of Karnak & Luxor • Valley

of the Kings & Queens on the West Bank

Pyramids and the Great Sphinx at Giza

Among the city’s many attractions are the

ancient Khan el-Khalili souk, the towering

citadel, and the many mosques, minarets and

tombs of the old city. The Egyptian Museum is

home to more than 120,000 ancient artefacts,

including Tutankhamun’s burial mask, while the

vast, highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum

is expected to open in 2024.

Luxor is a modern city with ancient

monuments nearby, including two large temple

complexes. The Karnak temples are among

the most historically significant in Egypt, while

in the heart of the new town lies the smaller

Luxor (Thebes) Temple.

Across the Nile on the West Bank is one of

the most important archaeological sites in

the world. This area, the necropolis, includes

the world-renowned Valley of the Kings.

Thousands of elaborately decorated tombs

are found here, the most significant of which

were built for the pharaohs. The Valley of the

Queens is an equally important but lesserfrequented

archaeological site.

Karnak Temple, Luxor

14


Aswan

Temple of Philae • Nubian Museum • Sail on a

traditional felucca

Situated in southern Egypt, Aswan’s premier

attraction is the Temple of Philae. It is located

on Agilkia Island, between Aswan’s two dams,

and one of the most photogenic sites on the

Nile. The original location of the temple meant

that it was often flooded, so in the 1960s a

UNESCO rescue project moved the entire

complex to its safer present-day setting.

Aswan’s Nubian Museum houses an excellent

collection of artefacts from the nomadic tribes

of southern Egypt, which have now been

displaced due to the construction of the dam in

the 20th century. Don’t miss the chance to take

a leisurely trip on the river aboard a felucca

(traditional wooden sailboat).

Abu Simbel

Temple of Philae, Aswan

See the colossal Temple of Ramses II •

Day excursion from Aswan

The Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel is one

of the most impressive monuments in Egypt.

Built into a rocky hillside, the site’s four statues

are around 20 metres high and remain as

awesome today as they would have been at

the time of their construction 3,000 years ago.

Due to the building of the Aswan High Dam,

the temple was moved between 1964 and 1968

to its new picturesque location. Next to the

Temple of Ramses II is the smaller temple of

Nefertari, dedicated to the wife of Ramses II.

Many visitors choose to reach the site by air,

as a day excursion from Aswan. Due to flight

restrictions, the maximum duration of your

visit cannot exceed one hour.

Temple of Ramses II, Abu Simbel

Suggested itinerary

Egyptian Grand Tour

Nile Cruise

13 days & 12 nights

from £4,785 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

This comprehensive tour is ideal for those

wishing to see Egypt’s greatest sites in style.

Begin with a few days in Cairo to explore

the capital, before cruises on both the Nile

and Lake Nasser.

Day 1: Fly to Cairo

Arrive in Cairo and transfer to the

Intercontinental Semiramis for 2 nights. (N)

Day 2: Cairo

Full-day tour of the Egyptian Museum, citadel

and bazaar. (B)

Day 3: Fly to Luxor

Transfer to Cairo airport for an early morning

flight to Luxor. On arrival, transfer to the

Mövenpick Royal Lily for a 4-night cruise.

Afternoon visit to the East Bank to see the

temples of Luxor and Karnak. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Luxor

Morning visit to the Valley of the Kings and

Queens, and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

on the West Bank, before sailing to Edfu via

Esna lock. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Edfu • Kom Ombo

Morning visit to the Temple of Horus.

Afternoon cruise to Kom Ombo and visit the

Temple of Sobek and Haroeris, then cruise to

Aswan. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Aswan

Morning visits to the Aswan High Dam, the

Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae.

Afternoon felucca trip on the Nile. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Fly to Abu Simbel

Transfer to Aswan airport for the short flight

to Abu Simbel. On arrival, board the Prince

Abbas for a 3-night cruise on Lake Nasser.

Visit the impressive Abu Simbel temple

complex, and return in the evening for a

sound and light show. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Sail to Qasr Ibrim

Visit the 18th-dynasty Temple of Amada, the

rock-cut Temple of Derr, and the Tomb of

Penout. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Wadi El Sebua

Morning visit to the Temple of Wadi El Sebua.

Afternoon cruise to Aswan. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Aswan • Fly to Cairo • Giza

Disembark this morning and visit the Temple

of Kalabsha. Fly to Cairo and transfer to the

InterContinental Citystars for 3 nights. (B)

Day 11: Giza

Tour of Giza to see the Pyramids and the

Sphinx. (B)

Day 12: Alexandria

Day trip to Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest

city and set on the Mediterranean coast. (B)

Day 13: Fly home

Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5211

CoxandKings.co.uk/make-an-enquiry


15

NORTH AFRICA • EGYPT

Egypt: Ancient Wonders of

Cairo & the Nile

Duration • 8 days & 7 nights


Small-group tour • From £2,995 (incl. flights)

Private tour • From £3,195 (incl. flights)

This group tour features…

5-star accommodation

Flexible – extensions, room & flight

upgrades available

Small group size – average 14

people (max 18)

Guaranteed to run with a minimum

of 4 passengers

Direct international flights with

Egyptair

Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles

Experienced local Egyptologists

7 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 5 dinners

Guided sightseeing & entrance fees

Welcome dinner on Day 2

Full-board accommodation on

4-night cruise

Optional upgrade to Main Deck

cabin from £92 per person

Weather

Cairo

Optional upgrade to Bridge Deck

cabin from £128 per person

Optional upgrade to Promenade

Deck cabin from £165 per person

J F M A M J J A S O N D

A 19 21 24 29 32 35 35 35 33 30 25 21

B 8 9 11 14 17 20 21 21 20 17 13 10

C 5 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 4

A: Maximum average temperature (°C)

B: Minimum average temperature (°C)

C: Average rainfall (mm)

Feluccas on the Nile, Aswan

Explore the wonders of Egypt via the River

Nile on this exceptional tour. After visiting

the iconic pyramids of Giza, fly to ancient

Aswan, where Agatha Christie wrote Death on

the Nile. Here you board one of the country’s

premier luxury vessels, the Sanctuary Nile

Adventurer, for a four-night, five-star cruise to

Luxor. Finish with a flourish at the Egyptian

Museum. Throughout your journey, an expert

Egyptologist is on hand to regale you with

tales of pharaohs and a pantheon of exotic

gods. You depart with a deeper insight into

this fascinating corner of the world.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

Learn about archaeological excavations

during a private lecture aboard the

Sanctuary Nile Adventurer

Tour ancient temples alongside expert

Egyptologists

Ride a traditional felucca sailboat

around Elephantine Island

Day 1: Fly to Cairo

Fly from London (regional connections

available) to Cairo with Egyptair. Transfer to

the Kempinksi Nile Hotel for 2 nights. (N)

Day 2: Cairo

Today you visit Giza’s iconic pyramid complex.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the last standing

of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,

as well as the oldest – built over 4,500 years

ago. Nearby, the enigmatic Sphinx guards

King Khafre’s enormous funerary monument.

Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Tonight, enjoy a welcome buffet dinner with

wine. (B, D)

Day 3: Aswan

Fly to Aswan this morning to begin your

4-night Nile cruise aboard the Sanctuary Nile

Adventurer (Nile Deck Cabin) * (or similar).

After check-in and lunch, ride a traditional

felucca sailboat around Elephantine Island,

Lord Kitchener's Botanical Gardens and the

Agha Khan Mausoleum (weather permitting).

This evening, attend a welcome reception and

programme overview. Enjoy Egyptian wine

and beer with canapés, followed by a gourmet

dinner. A folklore show and whirling Dervish

performance follow (subject to confirmation).

(B, L, D)

Day 4: Agilkia Island • Kom Ombo

After breakfast, take a short motorboat ride to

see the Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. Next,

it's on to the quarries which supplied much of

the granite used to build the pyramids. Here

you see the Unfinished Obelisk. Back aboard,

partake in an Egyptian cookery lesson, then

visit the Temple of Kom Ombo – dedicated to

the crocodile god, Sobek. This evening, enjoy a

lavish buffet of local specialities, and traditional

music and dancing. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Edfu • Esna

This morning, explore the extraordinary Temple

of Horus. Despite being built by the Greeks,

this impressive structure is the largest and

most complete preserved Pharaonic temple in

Egypt. Return to your boat in time for lunch and

continue cruising to Esna. This afternoon, your

Egyptologist guides you round the Graeco-

Roman Temple of Khnum in Esna. Tonight,

enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Luxor

Start the day exploring the imposing Temple

of Luxor alongside your Egyptologist. Continue

to the Temple of Karnak, and – this afternoon

– the Valley of the Kings. You have the chance

to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the

Queens, and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

Returning to the Nile, pass the famed Colossi

of Memnon, known in ancient times for their

haunting ‘voices’ at dawn. Return to your

vessel for afternoon tea. This evening, enjoy a

farewell gala dinner, with white-gloved waiters

serving gourmet cuisine. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Giza • Cairo

Fly to Cairo this morning, dropping off your

luggage at the Kempinski Nile Hotel. After

lunch at leisure, visit the Egyptian Museum in

Cairo, the oldest archaeological museum in the

Middle East and home to a wide variety

of pharaonic antiquities. (B)

Day 8: Fly to the UK

Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your

direct flight back to London. (B)

16


The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor

Sanctuary Nile Adventurer

This 32-cabin vessel affords guests a

luxurious standard of cruise on the

world’s longest river. Interiors blend the

contemporary and the traditional, with

nods to Egyptian heritage such as Cairene

rugs and Arabian patterns. All cabins are

air-conditioned and boast Nile views. The

extensive teak-floored sundeck includes

private cabanas around the pool area – the

perfect spot for relaxing while taking in

the scenery. Gourmet cuisine, sightseeing

excursions, on-board entertainment and

expert Egyptologists elevate your cruise

experience. The Sanctuary Nile Adventurer

offers a choice of three- and four-night

cruises, expertly designed to take in the

best of the ancient sites along the river.

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast,

L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Guideline prices for 2024-25

Group tour

Low season from £2,995

Guide price month: Aug

High season from £3,795

Guide price month: Nov

Private tour





Tour code: EGT

Pre-tour extension available in Alexandria for

4 nights from £1,575 per person. Post-tour

extension available in Luxor for 2 nights

from £400 per person, or a 4-night cruise on

beautiful Lake Nasser from £1,095 per person

or to Abu Simbel from £370 per person.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

*

Some departure dates will operate using the

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV

Private & tailor-made travel: This itinerary

can be taken privately on a date that suits you.

Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact

requirements. Please call 020 3930 5211 or

visit CoxandKings.co.uk/make-an-enquiry

Note: Itinerary is subject to change on the

opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Supplements may apply.

Single supplement from £895

Egyptair flight upgrades

Business Class from £795 return


Regional air connections

Please speak to your consultant for details

The guideline tour prices are all per person in pound sterling, based on two people sharing a twin /

double room. For up-to-date prices for all departure dates, including special offers when applicable,

please visit CoxandKings.co.uk. All prices are subject to availability.

Departure dates for 2024-25

Out Rtn

22 Jan 24 29 Jan 24

10 Mar 24 17 Mar 24

*

27 Apr 24 04 May 24

*

05 May 24 12 May 24

*

13 May 24 20 May 24

31 Aug 24 07 Sep 24

Out Rtn

08 Sep 24 15 Sep 24

*

16 Sep 24 23 Sep 24

26 Oct 24 03 Nov 24

19 Nov 24 26 Nov 24

27 Nov 24 04 Dec 24

05 Dec 24 12 Dec 24

Out Rtn

22 Jan 25 29 Jan 25

26 Jan 25 02 Feb 25

30 Jan 25 06 Feb 25

27 Feb 25 06 Mar 25

11 Mar 25 18 Mar 25

23 Mar 25 30 Mar 25

31 Mar 25 07 Apr 25

12 Apr 25 19 Apr 25

Out Rtn

20 Apr 25 27 Apr 25

02 May 25 09 May 25

10 May 25 17 May 25

22 May 25 29 May 25

31 Aug 25 07 Sep 25

12 Sep 25 19 Sep 25

24 Sep 25 01 Oct 25

07 Nov 25 14 Nov 25

Guaranteed departures: for departure dates that have reached the minimum number of guests, and

are therefore guaranteed to run, please visit online and refer to the tour’s Dates & Prices grid.


17

NORTH AFRICA • MOROCCO

Discover Morocco

Get lost in the labyrinthine souks of

Marrakech – the crossroads of the ancient

caravan routes – and stay in a boutique riad;

go on a cultural exploration of Morocco’s

imperial past, from the ruins of Roman

Volubilis to the medieval alleyways of Fez

and the modern boulevards of Rabat;

venture into the wild, trekking the valleys

and peaks of the Atlas Mountains and

camping beneath the stars in the Sahara

Desert; or simply relax in coastal towns such

as Essaouira or Agadir.

IMAGE

All this is just a short flight from the UK,

making it an ideal destination if you are

looking for a complete change of scene

without the trouble of a long-haul flight.

Marrakech

Walled medieval city • Buzzing Djemaa el Fna

square • Stay in a traditional riad

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the

Atlas Mountains, Marrakech’s walled medina

is a maze of narrow alleyways lined with

medieval buildings. The skyline is dominated

by the Koutoubia minaret, built in the 12th

century and part of a large mosque complex.

At the heart of the city, the famous Djemaa el

Fna market square is a frenzy of colour and

activity, akin to a carnival.

Riads provide comfortable, often luxurious

accommodation in converted, traditional

Moroccan houses. Due to the architecture and

design of some riads, rooms may have small

windows facing the interior public areas.

Rabat

Market stall in the old medina, Marrakech

Modern capital & ancient port • Roman ruins

at Chellah • Clifftop kasbah

The capital of Morocco, modern Rabat is a

planned city of wide boulevards, handsome

public buildings and landscaped gardens on

the Atlantic coastal plain, at the mouth of

the Bou Regreg River. Behind this modern

façade is a long history, traces of which can

still be seen.

The river port was first colonised by the

Carthaginians and then by the Romans.

Evidence of their rule remains at Chellah, or

Sala Colonia, where a complex of ancient ruins

sits on the riverside. The tranquil alleys of the

Kasbah of the Udayas are also well worth a

visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the city

and for superb views of the river and ocean.

Kasbah of the Udayas, Rabat

18


Bab Bou Jeloud gate, Fez

The Atlas Mountains

Scenic hikes • Fertile Ourika Valley •

Lavish stays in converted kasbahs

Ourika Valley with the High Atlas Mountains in the background

Fez & Meknes

Medieval atmosphere of Fez • Meknes,

imperial capital of Moulay Ismail

Erg Chebbi, Sahara Desert

The Sahara & surrounds

Stay in a luxury desert camp • Explore the

dramatic dunes by 4x4

The highest range in North Africa, the High

Atlas has many fertile valleys, snow-covered

peaks, rivers and waterfalls. About an hour’s

drive from Marrakech, the area can be visited

on a day trip or as part of a longer itinerary.

The lush Ourika Valley makes another excellent

day trip from Marrakech, with olive groves,

citrus tree orchards, willows and poplar trees

covering the slopes. Accommodation is in

luxurious converted kasbahs or more basic

local houses.

Home to one of the oldest universities in the

world, Fez is considered to be the intellectual

capital and most imperial of Morocco’s cities,

famed for its labyrinthine souks. The tanneries

are a major highlight; you can watch the

centuries-old process of treating cowhide in

huge vats of dye.

To the west of Fez, Meknes is a prosperous

provincial town, cut in two by the river valley

of the Oued Boufekrane, with varied and busy

souks in its medina.

The start of the Sahara Desert is marked by the

five-kilometre wide and 50-kilometre long band

of sand dunes called Erg Chebbi, with the small

Berber village of Merzouga located on the

fringe. The sand dunes here rise as high as

350 metres.

Explore the otherworldly desert landscapes

in a 4x4 vehicle, and be sure to spend a night

under canvas so you can see the colours of

the sunset and sunrise over the sands.

Suggested itinerary

Historic Cities & Culinary

Delights of Morocco

8 days & 7 nights


Category • Standard

This journey explores the imperial cities of

Rabat, Fez and Marrakech, while revealing

the secrets of Moroccan cuisine. Take part

in cookery classes and learn the recipes and

techniques that define the nation’s dishes.

Day 1: Fly to Casablanca

Transfer to the Barcelo Casablanca for

1 night. (N)

Day 2: Casablanca • Rabat • Fez

Take a morning tour of Casablanca then

continue to Rabat, where you will have time

at leisure to see Oudayas garden, Hassan

Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

After lunch, depart for Fez and stay 2 nights

at the Palais Ommeyad Suites & Spa. (B)

Day 3: Fez

Morning cooking class at a traditional riad.

Afternoon tour of Fez, visiting the medieval

medina and exploring the famous souks and

tanneries. (B, L)

Day 4: Marrakech

Early departure for Marrakech. En route,

stop at the Berber village of Imouzzer

du Kandar, the delightful ski resort of

Ifrane, and Azrou, a town known for its

handicrafts. Continue to Marrakech and

stay at the Les Jardins de la Medina for

2 nights. (B)

Day 5: Marrakech

Morning cooking class at a traditional riad.

Afternoon sightseeing tour visiting the

Saadian Tombs, Menara gardens,

Koutoubia Mosque, and Bahia Palace.

Continue to the souks and Djemaa el Fna

square. Optional evening dinner and

folklore show. (B, L)

Day 6: Essaouira

Travel to Essaouira, where you will visit

the ramparts of Skala, the seaport and the

medina. Stay at the Palais L’heure Bleue for

1 night. (B, D)

Day 7: Casablanca

Morning cooking class in a local riad. Drive

to Casablanca. Dinner at Rick’s Café, a

restaurant designed to recreate the famous

bar from the film Casablanca. Stay at the

Barcelo Casablanca for 1 night. (B)

Day 8: Fly home

Transfer to Casablanca airport and fly

home. (B)

Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5211



19

NORTH AFRICA • MOROCCO

Moroccan Explorer:

Imperial Cities to Desert







people (max 18)

4- & 5- star accommodation

Flexible – extensions available


British Airways


Experienced local tour manager

10 breakfasts & 8 dinners

Welcome & farewell dinners with

your group & tour manager

Hotel porterage

Weather

Marrakech


A 18 20 22 24 27 31 36 36 32 27 22 19

B 6 8 9 11 14 16 20 20 18 15 10 6

C 32 35 31 29 14 4 1 2 6 22 38 35

Rabat


A 17 18 19 20 22 24 27 28 27 24 21 18

B 8 8 9 11 13 16 18 18 17 14 11 8

C 82 75 61 59 26 7 - 1 7 45 99 104




Explore the imperial cities of Fez, Rabat and

Marrakech, all former or current capitals of

Morocco and known for their architecture

and vibrant souks. Along the way, travel

through diverse landscapes, from the Atlantic

coast through fertile plains to the Sahara.


Explore the atmospheric Roman ruins

of Volubilis

Dine in a riad in Rabat

Walking tour of Chefchaouen’s medina

Drink mint tea with a local nomadic

family and watch the sun set over the

desert dunes

Sample local food at the medina in Fez

Day 1: Fly to Marrakech


available) to Marrakech with British Airways.

Transfer to the 5-star Savoy Grand Hotel for

an overnight stay. (N)

Day 2: Marrakech • Rabat

After breakfast, you will travel to Rabat.

Afternoon tour of the city including the Royal

Palace and the 12th-century Hassan Tower

with its mausoleum, followed by mint tea in

Chefchaouen

the Andalucian gardens at Oudaya Kasbah.

Stay for 1 night at Riad Dar El Kebira or Dar El

Kebira Salam located in the heart of the Rabat

medina. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the riad.

(B, D)

Day 3: Chefchaouen

Travel by road to the blue-walled town of

Chefchaouen, perched beneath the rugged

Rif Mountains. Take a walking tour to discover

the kasbah with its charming garden, then

continue to the cobbled main square,

Outa-el-Hammam, and admire the

15th-century Grand Mosque with its distinctive

octagonal minaret. Stay overnight at

Dar Echchaouen, a riad furnished in arabic

style with exemplary views. (B)

Day 4: Volubilis • Fez

Morning at leisure in Chefchaouen’s medina.

Continue to Fez, stopping en route at the

Roman ruins of Volubilis, which mark the

westward extent of the Roman Empire. Spend

2 nights at the Palais Ommeyad & Spa. (B, D)

Day 5: Fez

Full-day tour of Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s

imperial cities. Visit the Bou Inania madrasa,

the Nejjarine fountain, the souk, tanneries

and medina. Visit a communal bakery and

join a tasting tour through the medina.

(B, D)

Day 6: Erfoud

Travel to Erfoud on the edge of the Sahara

Desert, through the high plains between the

Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges.

20


REGION

Stop en route at Ifrane village for a walking

tour. Continue to Erfoud and stay 2 nights at

Palais du Desert & Spa. (B, D)

Day 7: Erg Chebbi

Morning at leisure. This afternoon, journey

into the Sahara in 4x4 vehicles. Stop for a

refreshing mint drink with a local nomad family

and see the sun set over the dunes before

returning to your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Day 8: Ouarzazate

Travel west to Ouarzazate with a photo stop at

Todra Gorge, an impressive orange-coloured

canyon. Take a panoramic tour of Ouarzazate

and stay overnight at Ksar Ighnda (or similar).

(B, D)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Post-tour extensions are available in Essaouira,

which would include accommodation and

private transfers. Please speak to a Cox & Kings

travel consultant for further details.


The Roman ruins of Volubilis







Accommodation: Rooms of the same

standard can vary within riads. To remain cool,

rooms may also have limited natural light.

*

Friday 26 April departure: the hotel in

Marrakech will be 2Ciels for Day 1.

Tour code: DEZ

Day 9: Ait Benhaddou • Marrakech

Depart for the fortified village of Ait

Benhaddou, a superb example of

traditional Moroccan earthen architecture.

Scenes from the films Gladiator, Prince of Persia

and The Jewel of the Nile were shot here.

Arrive in Marrakech and visit the beautiful

Jardin Majorelle to see the exotic plants

and Berber museum before continuing to

The Savoy Grand Hotel, where you stay for

2 nights. (B, D)

Day 10: Marrakech

Full-day city tour of Marrakech. Highlights

include the lavish Moroccan architecture of

Bahia Palace, the walls of the former El Badi

Palace, Koutoubia mosque and the bustling

souks. Finish in Djemaa el Fna market square,

a swirling carnival of musicians, fire eaters,

storytellers and snake charmers. Attend a

farewell meal at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 11: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and fly to London, with

British Airways. (B)

Group tour


Guide price month: May


Guide price months: Mar & Apr


British Airways flight upgrades

Club Europe from £125 return

Private tour




Guide price month: Mar & Apr







Out Rtn

29 Feb 24 09 Mar 24

07 Mar 24 18 Mar 24

*

26 Apr 24 06 May 24

17 May 24 27 May 24

Out Rtn

13 Sep 24 23 Sep 24

27 Sep 24 07 Oct 24

04 Oct 24 14 Oct 24

Out Rtn

28 Feb 25 10 Mar 25

06 Mar 25 16 Mar 25

25 Apr 25 05 May 25

16 May 25 26 May 25

Out Rtn

12 Sep 25 22 Sep 25

26 Sep 25 06 Oct 25

03 Oct 25 13 Oct 25




21

MIDDLE EAST • JORDAN

Discover Jordan

Jordan is a kingdom packed with history

and culture, full of Roman cities, Crusader

castles and biblical sites. There are also some

unmissable natural sites, from its beautiful

nature reserves and the desert landscapes of

Wadi Rum to the mineral-rich waters of the

Dead Sea and the glittering Red Sea.

Whether it’s culture, cuisine, natural wonders

or relaxation you’re seeking, you'll find it

all here. Amman, the capital, is the starting

point for most, its modern buildings blending

with the remnants of ancient civilisations.

Jordan’s modest size means that many of its

sites can be easily combined, and it pairs

well with Israel, Egypt or Lebanon for a

longer holiday.

IMAGE

Petra

Nabataean capital • UNESCO archaeological site

No exploration of Jordan would be complete

without visiting the ancient site of Petra.

Founded in about the sixth century BC as the

capital city of the Nabataean civilisation, the

site has since been settled by the Romans,

Crusaders and the Byzantine Empire, all

of whom left churches, fortifications and

monuments.

Jerash

Roman ruins • Christian churches & mosaics

The Treasury, Petra

The walk through the 1,600-metre-long Siq, a

natural rock corridor only three metres wide in

places, opens out in front of Al Khazneh (‘The

Treasury’) – Petra’s most remarkable edifice.

There are various other walks throughout the

site that reveal hundreds of smaller buildings

and tombs worth exploring.

North of Amman, the Graeco-Roman city of

Jerash is widely regarded as the best-preserved

city of the Decapolis, a confederation of ten

Roman cities dating from the first century

AD. As you approach the ruins, the imposing

triumphal arch comes into view, built to

honour the arrival of Emperor Hadrian in

129AD.

Beyond the arch, continuing excavation

work has revealed two theatres, a forum,

temples dedicated to Zeus and Artemis, a

hippodrome, a long colonnaded street known

as the Cardo and an almost complete circuit

of city walls. From 350AD, a large Christian

community lived here. They left their mark

in the various churches and mosaic floors

that remain.

Jerash

22


Madaba & Mount Nebo

Mosaic map of Jerusalem • Views from

Mount Nebo

Madaba is known as the ‘City of Mosaics’. Its

ancient floors preserve many Byzantine and

Umayyad mosaics, the most famous of which

is the sixth-century Map of Madaba, depicting

the Holy Land of Jerusalem using two million

colourful stone pieces. It is the world’s oldest

known geographical floor mosaic, and can be

seen in situ at the Church of St George. The

Church of St John the Baptist offers a worthy

diversion with its unique collection of historical

photographs of Madaba, and sweeping views

of the city from its bell tower.

Close to Madaba lies Mount Nebo, the

710-metre-high summit where the Bible says

Moses saw the Promised Land. Hike to the top

and you can still enjoy the same panorama

across the Jordan Valley, including views of

Jericho, and – on a very clear day – Jerusalem.

A sculpted nehushtan (bronze serpent on a

pole) serves as a memorial on the summit.

The Dead Sea

View from Mt Nebo

Mineral-rich waters • Luxury spa resorts

Situated 400 metres below sea level, the Dead

Sea is the lowest body of water on the surface

of the Earth. 75km long and ranging from

6km to 16km wide, the salt lake is fed mainly

by the Jordan River. There is no outlet for the

water, so it becomes trapped and evaporates,

leaving behind salts and minerals. The high salt

content makes any significant plant and animal

life impossible, and thus gives it its name. The

mineral-rich waters are reputed to bring health

benefits, and the high concentration of salt

makes the water exceptionally buoyant. Less

than an hour from the airport in Amman, and

with several luxurious spa resorts, it’s an ideal

place to relax at the end of a trip or to stop for

a night after visiting Petra.

Desert Castles

Early Islamic art • Crusader forts

Dead Sea

Qasr Amra desert castle

To the east of Amman lie several qasrs (castles),

most built between the seventh and eighth

centuries under the Umayyad Caliphate.

These important examples of early Islamic

architecture contain fine frescoes and mosaics,

and stand isolated amidst sun-beaten sands.

UNESCO-listed Qasr Amra is among the

smallest but best preserved. Enter the domed

interior and you’re greeted by ceiling frescoes

that are over 1,000 years old. The artwork

depicts hunters, kings, nude women, heaven,

constellations and the zodiac.

Located just off the King’s Highway, the

12th-century castles of Shobak and Kerak

are stunning examples of Christian Crusader

fortifications, built atop rocky outcrops with

commanding views across the countryside.


23


Wadi Rum

Stunning natural scenery • Luxury desert

camps

Vast, echoing and god-like: that’s how

Lawrence of Arabia described Wadi Rum

during his passage through the Mars-like

valley. Its cinematic sandscapes are stars of

the big screen – featured most recently in the

films Dune, Star Wars: Episode IX, The Martian,

and Aladdin. This area of southern Jordan

is also prized for its archaeological finds;

thousands of petroglyphs, rock carvings and

temple remains testify to at least 12,000 years

of human presence, adding to UNESCO’s

reasons for listing it as a World Heritage Site

in 2011.

You can explore Wadi Rum by 4x4, or – in true

Bedouin fashion – by camel. Camp overnight

to see how ‘the crimson sunset burns on its

stupendous cliffs’, as T.E. Lawrence put it.

You shan’t forget the stark contrast of the day’s

golden sun, blue skies and red sands with the

ink-black night, as it’s draped in the Milky Way

and strafed by shooting stars.

Desert Camps in Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp

Wadi Rum

At first glance, this luxury camp is redolent of a

Martian base, complete with striking geometric

domes fringed by pink sandstone massifs. The

interior spaces are delightfully unsci-fi, however,

evoking instead traditional Berber design,

with sumptuous soft furnishings and intricate

patterns. Guests are accommodated in airconditioned,

en-suite tented rooms, some glassfronted

affording panoramas of the desert and

stars. There is also a large domed restaurant

and dining area. Activities include hiking, horse

riding, culture tours, and archery. Despite its

sense of seclusion, Memories Aicha is just 12

kilometres from the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre.

Discovery Bedu Camp

Wadi Rum

Run by local Bedouins, this solar-powered,

eco-friendly camp features just six en-suite

tented rooms – positioned to maximise views

of the sunset over the desert sands. Each of

Discovery Bedu’s suites boasts a private deck

with seating, as well as understated décor to

better blend in with the natural surrounds.

Guests can enjoy a menu of local dishes,

either served in the dining area – a traditional

Bedouin tent – or out overlooking Wadi Rum’s

dramatic landscape. Guest activities available

include dune and canyon hikes, camel rides,

sandboarding, hot-air ballooning, stargazing,

and 4x4 drives.

Saraya Rum Private Luxury Camp

Wadi Rum

Saraya Rum is set in the shadow of Umm

Ishreen mountain, famed for its ‘Seven Pillars

of Wisdom’ rock formation. This modern

desert camp features air-conditioned tented

suites with bold patterns, sleek bathrooms

and private terraces. A large, regal dining

tent hosts daily buffets of local delicacies and

fresh pastries. There is an outdoor communal

seating area, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-

Fi to keep you connected – even as you revel in

the splendid isolation of Wadi Rum. Guests can

experience the desert landscape with hikes,

camel and horse riding, 4×4 drives, hot-air

ballooning, and guided stargazing.

24


Dana Biosphere Reserve

Nature walks • Birdwatching

Plunging from a 1,500-metre-high plateau

down to the arid Arabah region, Dana is

Jordan’s largest nature reserve. It encompasses

four distinct bioregions – Mediterranean,

Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian, and Sudanian

– each a habitat for a diversity of wildlife.

This includes some 215 bird and 38 mammal

species, many endangered, including Nubian

ibex, Syrian serin (finches), caracal (wild cats),

and lesser kestrels.

You can explore the biosphere reserve via a

scenic 15-kilometre walking trail, which takes

you through some of the most dramatic

scenery in Jordan. This six-hour walk is

punctuated by breaks beneath towering rock

faces and pistachio trees.


Feynan Ecolodge,


Isolated on the western edge of the Dana

Reserve, Feynan Ecolodge offers guests the

rare opportunity to experience the natural

landscape by foot. Managed by Jordan’s Royal

Society for the Conservation of Nature in

partnership with the local Bedouin community,

the lodge is built in a traditional design and lit

entirely by candle. In the evening, cloudless

skies showcase a firmament full of stars.

Guestrooms are basic but comfortable, with

private facilities and hot and cold water –

heated using solar panels. There is a small

restaurant serving a set menu of vegetarian

Arabic dishes. There are numerous trails and

hikes from the lodge into Dana Reserve.

Suggested itinerary

Natural Wonders of Jordan

10 Days & 9 Nights



Discover the diverse landscapes of Jordan

by exploring the ancient rock-hewn city

of Petra, hiking through Dana Biosphere

Reserve and relaxing on the shores of the

Dead Sea.

Day 1: Fly to Amman

Upon arrival, transfer to the Rotana Tower

Hotel for 3 nights. (N)

Day 2: Amman

Enjoy a morning walking tour of Amman,

Jordan’s capital and one of the oldest

continuously inhabited cities in the world.

This afternoon, tour the nearby city of Jerash,

famed for its well-preserved Roman ruins. (B)

Day 3: Ajloun Forest Reserve

Spend a full day touring inside the Ajloun

Forest Reserve. This woodland habitat is

instrumental in efforts to reintroduce the

roe deer to Jordan, and was declared an

Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Despite its small size, the reserve supports a

wide variety of wild animals and plant life. (B)

Day 4: Mount Nebo • Madaba • Dana

Biosphere Reserve

Drive to Dana, a protected nature reserve

established in 1989 and covering 320 sq

km of ruggedly beautiful terrain. Time

permitting, enjoy a hike into this untamed

landscape at sunset. Stay at Feynan

Ecolodge for the night. (B, D)

Day 5: Feynan

Opt for a self-guided sunrise hike in the

Dana Reserve, or walk the copper mine trail,

which visits the ancient copper mine shafts

that once supplied the Romans. Afterwards,

drive to Petra. Stay at the Petra Guesthouse

for 3 nights. (B)

Day 6: Petra

Experience a full-day guided tour of the

desert-bound, rose-red city of Petra. This

was the capital of the mysterious Nabataean

kingdom, and its rock-carved ruins defy belief

more than two thousand years later. (B)

Day 7: Petra

You have the chance to spend a second day

in Petra to discover more of its fascinating

sights in your own time and at your own

pace. (B)

Day 8: Wadi Rum

Drive to the Mars-like valley of Wadi Rum for

a 4x4 excursion across its rugged terrain.

Stay overnight at Luxury Saraya Rum Camp,

where you can spend a night under canvas

or out in the open beneath thousands of

stars. (B, D)

Day 9: The Dead Sea

Depart Wadi Rum this morning and transfer

to the stark-still, mineral-rich Dead Sea.

En route, visit the 12th-century Crusader

castle of Shobak or Kerak. Overnight at the

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea. (B)

Day 10: Fly home

Transfer to Amman’s international airport

and catch your flight home. (B)

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5211



25


Splendours

of Jordan







people (max 20)


Flexible – extensions & flight

upgrades available

International flights

Transfers in air-conditioned

vehicles



Welcome dinner to meet your

group & tour manager

Guided sightseeing & entrance

fees included

Hotel porterage

Weather

Amman


A 11 13 16 21 26 29 30 30 29 25 19 13

B 3 3 5 9 12 15 17 17 15 12 8 4

C 76 66 61 20 4 - - - - 8 32 65

Dead Sea


A 20 22 26 31 35 38 39 39 37 34 29 22

B 10 11 13 16 20 23 24 25 24 21 16 12

C 28 18 16 5 2 - - - - 2 15 26




This tour reveals the best of Jordan’s cultural

heritage and desert-bound landscapes. Visit

hallowed Mount Nebo, where the Bible says

Moses was granted a view of the Promised

Land. Tour the classical city of Jerash, famed

for its Roman ruins. Explore the Nabataean

city of Petra, staying just a stone’s throw

from its rock-hewn complex; and stop by

lesser-visited ‘Little Petra’ (Siq al-Barid). Your

tour ends with a drive across Wadi Rum’s

shifting sands, and a resort stay beside the

Dead Sea’s stark-still, mineral-rich waters.


Spend two full days exploring Petra

and visit the remote ruins at

‘Little Petra’

Take a 4x4 desert excursion over the

dunes of Wadi Rum

Time at leisure to enjoy the mineral-rich

waters of the Dead Sea

Visit the Biblical site of Mount Nebo

Day 1: Fly to Amman


available) to Amman with Royal Jordanian

Airlines. Transfer to the Intercontinental

Amman (or similar) for 2 nights. (N)

Day 2: Amman • Jerash

Morning tour of Amman, one of the oldest

continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Amman is built on seven hills (jebels) and

The Temple of Hercules, Amman Citadel

your acension to its hilltop citadel rewards

you with panoramic views. Here you also see

the ancient ruins of the Temple of Hercules,

and the fascinating National Archaeological

Museum. The highlight of downtown Amman

is the restored Roman theatre, a remnant of

the days of the city of Philadelphia. Built into

the side of a hill, the theatre dates back to

the second century AD and has a capacity for

6,000 people. In the afternoon, tour the wellpreserved

Graeco-Roman city of Jerash, hidden

for centuries in sand. Tonight, you attend a

welcome dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Madaba • Mount Nebo • Shobak • Petra

Travel along the King’s Highway, visiting

Madaba, home to a Byzantine mosaic map of

the region; the Biblical site of Mount Nebo,

where Moses is reputed to be buried and

where he first saw the Holy Land; and the

crusader castle of Shobak. Continue to the

historic city of Petra and stay 3 nights at the

Mövenpick Resort Petra, situated at the

entrance to the site. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Petra

Take a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed site of

Petra, the rose-red city rediscovered by Johann

Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. More than 2,000

years ago, Petra was used as a temporary refuge

by nomadic Nabataeans. Starting with only a

few caves, they carved the sandstone to create

this spectacular fortress city, which became the

capital of their desert kingdom. (B, D)

Day 5: Petra

Return to the main site for more exploration

with your guide. Optional evening visit to Petra

by candlelight; approximately 1,800 candles

light the way down the Siq, their glow picking

out various points of interest. (B, D)

26


REGION

The Monastery, Petra

Day 6: Little Petra • Wadi Rum • Dead Sea

Morning visit to Al Beidha and ‘Little Petra’

(Siq al-Barid), before driving to Wadi Rum for

a 4x4 excursion into the desert. Afternoon

transfer to the Dead Sea. Stay 2 nights at the

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea. (B)

Day 7: Dead Sea

Day at leisure. Optional morning excursion to

the baptism site of Jesus in Bethany, on the

banks of the River Jordan. This evening, enjoy a

farewell drink with the group. (B)


Group tour




Guide price month: Feb-May & Sep-Oct


Royal Jordanian Airlines flight upgrades

Crown Class from £995 return

Private tour




Guide price month: Feb-May & Sep-Oct


Tour code: SPJ




Transfer to the airport and fly from Amman to

London with Royal Jordanian Airlines. (B)




Accessibility: This tour involves walking over

rough terrain. At Petra, visiting the monastery

and the High Place of Sacrifice requires a

steep climb.


can be taken privately on a date that suits

you, for which guideline prices are shown.








Out (Sun) Rtn (Sun)

11 Feb 24 18 Feb 24

18 Feb 24 25 Feb 24

25 Feb 24 03 Mar 24

03 Mar 24 10 Mar 24

24 Mar 24 31 Mar 24

31 Mar 24 07 Apr 24

07 Apr 24 14 Apr 24

14 Apr 24 21 Apr 24

21 Apr 24 28 Apr 24

28 Apr 24 05 May 24

05 May 24 12 May 24

19 May 24 26 May 24

Out (Sun) Rtn (Sun)

26 May 24 02 Jun 24

01 Sep 24 08 Sep 24

08 Sep 24 15 Sep 24

15 Sep 24 22 Sep 24

22 Sep 24 29 Sep 24

29 Sep 24 06 Oct 24

06 Oct 24 13 Oct 24

13 Oct 24 20 Oct 24

20 Oct 24 27 Oct 24

27 Oct 24 03 Nov 24

03 Nov 24 10 Nov 24

Out (Sun) Rtn (Sun)

09 Feb 25 16 Feb 25

16 Feb 25 23 Feb 25

23 Feb 25 02 Mar 25

02 Mar 25 09 Mar 25

09 Mar 23 16 Mar 25

16 Mar 25 23 Mar 25

23 Mar 25 30 Mar 25

30 Mar 25 06 Apr 25

06 Apr 25 13 Apr 25

13 Apr 25 20 Apr 25

20 Apr 25 27 Apr 25

27 Apr 25 04 May 25

04 May 25 11 May 25

Out (Sun) Rtn (Sun)

18 May 25 25 May 25

25 May 25 01 Jun 25

31 Aug 25 07 Sep 25

07 Sep 25 14 Sep 25

14 Sep 25 21 Sep 25

21 Sep 25 28 Sep 25

28 Sep 25 05 Oct 25

05 Oct 25 12 Oct 25

12 Oct 25 19 Oct 25

19 Oct 25 26 Oct 25

26 Oct 25 02 Nov 25

02 Nov 25 09 Nov 25

09 Nov 25 16 Nov 25




27


Jordan tour variations & extensions

Wadi Rum Marina, Aqaba Church of All Nations, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem

Tour variation: Desert Adventure

8 days & 7 nights from £425

Variation starts on Day 6 of tour

Explore the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum

with an extended drive into the wilderness

for a night under canvas. The dramatic

colours of the sandstone mountains are truly

spectacular at sunrise and sunset, while the

clear night sky reveals innumerable stars.

Day 6: Wadi Rum

Transfer with the group to Wadi Rum. Leave

the group and take a 5-hour 4x4 tour into the

heart of the desert, passing spectacular rock

formations. Overnight stay at Saraya Rum

Camp. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Dead Sea

Transfer to the shores of the Dead Sea and

stay 1 night at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa

Dead Sea. The remainder of the day is at

leisure. (B)


Morning transfer to the airport with the rest

of the group. Fly from Amman to London with

Royal Jordanian Airlines. (B)

Tour + the Red Sea & Dead Sea


Visit the shores of the Red Sea and Dead

Sea, both ideal places to unwind at the end

of your tour. The Red Sea has clean, sandy

beaches and clear waters with an array of

marine life, while the salty, still waters of the

Dead Sea are rich in nutrients.

Day 6: Aqaba

Following your 4x4 excursion in Wadi Rum,

leave the group and transfer by road to Aqaba.

Stay 2 nights at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa

Tala Bay. Facilities include multiple swimming

pools, a spa and a private beach area. (B)

Day 7: Aqaba

Day at leisure. Relax at your hotel, visit the

beach, take the shuttle into town or swim in

the nearby warm waters of the Red Sea.

Day 8: Dead Sea

Morning transfer to the Dead Sea. Stay for 2

nights at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead

Sea. (B)

Day 9: Dead Sea

Day at leisure. (B)


Morning transfer to the airport. Fly from

Amman to London with Royal Jordanian

Airlines. (B)

Tour + Jerusalem

4 days & 3 nights from £1,575

Discover sacred monuments and over 3,000

years of history in the fascinating city of

Jerusalem. Significant to Christians, Jews and

Muslims alike, the city offers a fascinating

mix of synagogues, churches, mosques,

minarets and shrines.

Day 8: Jerusalem

Drive to the Allenby Bridge and cross

the border into Israel. Continue on the

50-kilometre drive to Jerusalem. Stay at the

Harmony Hotel for 3 nights. (B)

Day 9: Jerusalem

Full-day tour exploring the ancient city.

Highlights include the Mount of Olives for a

panoramic view over the city, and a stop at

Mount Zion to visit King David's tomb and the

room of the Last Supper. (B)

Day 10: Jerusalem

Day at leisure. Visit the Israel Museum, where

the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed; or visit the

ancient fortifications of Masada. (B)


Transfer to the airport. Fly from Tel Aviv to

London with British Airways * . (B)

*

Note: Your outbound flight to Jordan on Day 1

will also need to be with British Airways rather

than Royal Jordanian.

Tour + the Dead Sea


The Dead Sea has been popular with

travellers for centuries, its salty waters

reputed to have therapeutic effects. Extend

your stay here for more time to enjoy the

stark-still waters as well as the expansive

spa facilities at your hotel.

28

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea


Days 8 & 9: Dead Sea

Stay for a further 2 nights at the Mövenpick

Resort & Spa Dead Sea. (B)


Morning transfer to the airport. Fly from Amman

to London with Royal Jordanian Airlines. (B)

ISRAEL & PALESTINE • MIDDLE EAST

Discover Israel & the Palestinian Territories

Stretching along the eastern Mediterranean

coastline and pushing down to touch the

tip of the Red Sea, Israel and the Palestinian

territories pack many layers of history into

a relatively small area. It’s a land full of

powerful stories, which are brought to life

in the ancient remains and Biblical sites

scattered throughout.

From the dynamic modern city of Tel Aviv

with its vibrant nightlife, street cafes and

Mediterranean beaches, venture north to

the Biblical sites around the Sea of Galilee,

the old Crusader stronghold of Acre and

the terraced gardens of the Baha’i Shrine

in Haifa. To the south lies the Dead Sea,

the desert fortress of Masada, and the

beach resort of Eilat on the Red Sea coast.

However, the jewel in the crown has to be

the ancient city of Jerusalem, with a history

stretching back more than 3,000 years.

Jerusalem

Tower of David, Jerusalem

Temples, churches & historical sites •

Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial

Situated in the Judean Hills, the strategic

importance of this city has made it a muchfought-over

prize. Many rulers have left

their mark in the form of synagogues,

churches, mosques, minarets and shrines.

With monuments sacred to all three major

monotheistic religions, the city is of significant

importance for Christians, Jews and Muslims

alike. Outside the walls of the old city, the Yad

Vashem centre is Israel's offcial memorial to

the victims of the Holocaust.

Bethlehem

Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

Church of the Nativity, supposed birthplace

of Jesus

Just south of Jerusalem lies the Palestinian

city of Bethlehem, home to one of the oldest

continuously operating churches in the world,

the Church of the Nativity. Inside, the Grotto

of the Nativity is thought to be the actual cave

where Jesus was born, the spot indicated by

a 14-point star. The church itself is the focal

point of Manger Square, a major gathering

place for worshippers at Christmas, and just

outside Bethlehem the Shepherds’ Fields can

be visited.

Ancient port and marina of Acre

The North Coast

& the Sea of Galilee

Crusader fortifications in Acre • Baha’i

terraced gardens in Haifa

The Mediterranean city of Haifa is home to the

resplendent gold-domed Baha’i Shrine and

Persian Gardens. Further north, the walled city

of Acre has 12th-century Crusader remains. In

the town of Nazareth, where Mary learned from

the angel Gabriel that she was to have a child,

visit the Church of Joseph and the Basilica of the

Annunciation. Biblical sites around the Sea of

Galilee include Tabgha, site of the miracle of the

loaves and fishes; and the Mount of Beatitudes.


29

MIDDLE EAST • ISRAEL

Treasures

of Israel





Jerusalem



upgrades available


people (max 18)



vehicles


9 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners


fees included

Hotel porterage

Weather

Nazareth


A 15 16 19 23 27 30 31 31 30 27 23 17

B 7 8 9 12 15 19 21 21 20 17 12 9

C 140 103 76 34 6 0 0 0 1 26 74 139


A 13 15 17 22 26 29 30 30 29 26 20 15

B 5 5 7 10 13 16 18 18 17 14 10 6

C 136 111 88 27 3 0 0 0 1 19 60 111




Combine the ancient Biblical cities of

Jerusalem, Nazareth and Acre with

cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, while discovering

ancient ruins in coastal Caesarea, Capernaum

on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and

Masada above the Dead Sea.


Spend two full days exploring Jerusalem

Learn about the unique culture and

history of the Druze people

Stay in a kibbutz

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites at

Masada and Acre

Float in the mineral-rich waters of the

Dead Sea

Day 1: Fly to Tel Aviv


available) to Ben Gurion Airport with British

Airways. Transfer to the Cinema Hotel * in

Tel Aviv for 1 night. (N)

Day 2: Tel Aviv • Caesarea • Sea of Galilee

Explore Jaffa’s ancient port and modern

Tel Aviv. Visit Neve Tzedek, the oldest

neighbourhood in Tel Aviv, and the bustling

Carmel Market whose eclectic food is

testament to Tel Aviv’s culinary renown.

Continue to Caesarea National Park to see the

large Roman amphitheatre and the historic

port. Travel to the Sea of Galilee for 3 nights at

Damascus Gate and the old city of Jerusalem

Nof Ginosar Kibbutz Hotel * . Enjoy a welcome

dinner. (B, D)

Day 3: Nazareth • Sea of Galilee

Travel north to Nazareth and visit the imposing

Church of the Annunciation. Take a tour of a

kibbutz then visit the Mount of the Beatitudes,

where Jesus is said to have delivered the

Sermon on the Mount. Continue to Capernaum

and see the ruins of a fifth-century synagogue

and the early octagonal church built around

the house of St Peter. (B, D)

Day 4: Banias Spring • Mount Bental

Visit the impressive Banias Waterfall and the

archaeological remains of Caesarea Philippi

at Banias Spring, at the foot of Mount Hermon.

Take a tasting tour at an award-winning winery.

Continue to Mount Bental for sweeping

views of the Golan and a visit to the Syrian

bunkers. (B, D)

Day 5: Acre • Daliyat el Carmel • Jerusalem

Visit the Old City of Acre, a UNESCO World

Heritage Site with Crusader remains, before

sampling the warm hospitality, story-telling

and delicious food of the Druze people in

Daliyat el Carmel. En route to Jerusalem, stop

at Yemin Orde, a safe haven and home for

Holocaust orphans. Continue to Jerusalem for

a 5-night stay at the Harmony Hotel located

in the heart of Jerusalem and mere steps from

the old city. (B, L)

Day 6: Jerusalem (New City)

Take a guided tour of the New City of

Jerusalem. Visit the Israel Museum, home to

the Dead Sea Scrolls; Knesset, the building of

the Israeli parliament; and the Yad Vashem

Holocaust monument. Continue to Mahane

Yehuda market. This afternoon, enjoy an

30


REGION

Ancient fortifications, Masada

optional market tour and cookery workshop,

learning to prepare eight Israeli and Arab

dishes (at additional cost). (B)

Day 7: Jerusalem (Old City)

Take a guided tour of the Old City of Jerusalem,

visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and

the Western Wall, among other sites. (B)

Day 8: Masada • Dead Sea • Qumran

Travel through the desert to the UNESCO

World Heritage Site of Masada and its

mountain-top ruins. Continue to the Dead

Sea for a dip in the mineral-rich waters.

Then visit Qumran, one of the most significant

archaeological discoveries of the 20th century,

where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. (B)

Day 9: Jerusalem

Day at leisure to explore the city further or

take an optional excursion to Bethlehem

(requires booking in advance). Evening



*

29 Feb & 14 Mar 2024 departures will stay

at Kfar Blum Kibbutz. 14 Mar & 29 Aug 2024

departures will stay at Center Chic Hotel in

Tel Aviv.


Group tour


Guide price months: Feb

British Airways Flight upgrades

World Traveller Plus from £175 return

Club World from £945 return



The guideline tour prices are all per person in pound sterling, based on two people sharing a twin

/ double room. For current prices for all departure dates, including special offers when applicable,

please call or visit CoxandKings.co.uk. All prices are subject to availability.



Guide price month: Mar






Tour code: TOY

Single supplement from £1,195


Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport and fly to

London with British Airways. (B)

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sat)

29 Feb 24 09 Mar 24

14 Mar 24 23 Mar 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sat)

29 Aug 24 07 Sep 24

24 Oct 24 02 Nov 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sat)

27 Feb 25 08 Mar 25

13 Mar 25 22 Mar 25

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sat)

28 Aug 25 06 Sep 25

23 Oct 25 01 Nov 25

Meal Basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast,





31

MIDDLE EAST • JORDAN & ISRAEL

The Wonders of

Jordan & Jerusalem






city of Jerash, once buried in sand for centuries,

before travelling back to Amman. (B, L)


people (max 20)



upgrades available

International flights with

British Airways


vehicles


10 breakfasts, 2 lunches &

2 dinners


fees included

Hotel porterage

Weather

Amman, Jordan


A 11 13 16 21 26 29 30 30 29 25 19 13

B 3 3 5 9 12 15 17 17 15 12 8 4

C 76 66 61 20 4 - - - - 8 32 65

Jerusalem, Israel


A 13 15 17 22 26 29 30 30 29 26 20 15

B 5 5 7 10 13 16 18 18 17 14 10 6

C 136 111 88 27 3 0 0 0 1 19 60 111




The Treasury, Petra, Jordan

This tour combines the Biblical sites of

Jerusalem and Bethlehem with the cultural

and scenic highlights of Jordan. Sample

authentic local cuisine and take time to relax

at a spa resort on the shores of the Dead Sea.


Discover impressive ancient ruins

at Umm Qais and Jerash

Sample traditional Jordanian food

with a local family

Explore the Old City of Jerusalem

including the Western Wall and the

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Visit the Church of the Nativity in

Bethlehem, believed to be the

birthplace of Jesus

Day 3: Amman

Morning at leisure. Afternoon city tour

including the Jordan Museum, where exhibits

include the ‘Ain Ghazal statues, some of the

oldest known human sculptures. This evening

enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal with a local

family. (B, D)

Day 4: Madaba • Mount Nebo • Shobak • Petra

Travel along the King’s Highway, stopping

en route at Madaba, Mount Nebo and the

crusader castle at Shobak before arriving at

Petra. Lunch will be taken in a converted house

near Madaba. Stay 2 nights at Mövenpick

Resort Petra. Optional evening visit to Petra by

candlelight. (B, L)

Day 5: Petra

Enjoy a guided tour of Petra, the unique

ancient Nabataean city carved into the red

sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan. (B)

Day 6: Dead Sea

Morning at leisure or optional 4x4 excursion

into the desert of Wadi Rum (payable locally).

Transfer to the Dead Sea this afternoon and

stay 2 nights at Mövenpick Resort & Spa

Dead Sea. (B)

Day 7: Dead Sea

Day at leisure. Optional excursion to the

baptism site at Bethany, where it is believed

John the Baptist baptised Jesus. (B)

Day 8: Jericho • Jerusalem

Drive to the Allenby Bridge and cross the

border into Israel. Continue to Jerusalem,

stopping en route for a tour at Jericho, thought

to be the oldest city in the world. Stay 3 nights

at the Harmony Hotel. (B)

Day 9: Jerusalem • Bethlehem

This morning, visit Bethlehem, known as

the site of the nativity. Your visit here will

include the Church of the Nativity and

Manger Square. (B)

Day 1: Fly to Amman


available) to Amman, Jordan, with British

Airways. Transfer to the Intercontinental

Amman for 3 nights. Welcome dinner to meet

your group and tour manager. (D)

Day 2: Amman • Umm Qais • Jerash

This morning travel to Umm Qais to see the

ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara, set in the

hills above the Jordan Valley. Continue to Jerash

for a lunch cooked by women from a local

village. Tour the ruins of the ancient Roman

Day 10: Jerusalem

This morning take a half-day tour of the Old

City of Jerusalem to see the Wailing Wall, the

Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the room of

the Last Supper. Optional visit to Masada, King

Herod’s rock fortress (must be pre-booked -

from £245pp). Enjoy a farewell drink. (B)

Day 11: Tel Aviv • Fly to London

Travel to Tel Aviv and visit Jaffa, one of the

world’s oldest ports. Later, transfer to the

airport and fly from Tel Aviv to London with


32


REGION

Western Wall, Jerusalem

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Pre-tour extensions are available in Amman and

post-tour extensions are available in Jerusalem,

which would include accommodation and

private transfers. Please speak to a Cox & Kings

travel consultant for further details.


Group tour


Guide price month: Mar & May


Guide price month: Sep & Oct


Private tour


Guide price month: Mar & May


Guide price month: Sep & Oct


Tour code: JAJ


Accessibility: This tour involves walking over

rough terrain. At Petra, visiting the monastery

and the High Place of Sacrifice requires a

steep climb.








Club World from £725 return







Out (Mon) Rtn (Thu)

11 Mar 24 21 Mar 24

18 Mar 24 28 Mar 24

06 May 24 16 May 24

Out (Mon) Rtn (Thu)

09 Sep 24 19 Sep 24

07 Oct 24 17 Oct 24

21 Oct 24 31 Oct 24

Out (Mon) Rtn (Thu)

10 Mar 25 20 Mar 25

17 Mar 25 27 Mar 25

05 May 25 15 May 25

Out (Mon) Rtn (Thu)

08 Sep 25 18 Sep 25

06 Oct 25 16 Oct 25

20 Oct 25 30 Oct 25




33

MIDDLE EAST • OMAN

Oman:

An Arabian Odyssey







people (max 18)

4-star accommodation *


upgrades available



vehicles




fees included

Hotel porterage

the sultan’s palace and the forts of Al Jalali

and Mirani. Continue to the magnificent Royal

Opera House, the largest in the Middle East.

Remainder of afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Muscat & surrounds

This morning, visit the Barka fish market to see

local life and a view of the Barka fort. Continue

by road to Nakhal hot springs where a picnic

lunch is served. Early afternoon visit to Bait Al

Ghasham House before returning to Muscat.

Optional twilight dhow cruise. (B, L)

Day 5: Wadi Shab • Qalhat • Ras Al Jinz

Drive south by 4x4 along the coast from

Muscat to Sur, passing the fishing village of

Quriyat, and Wadi Shab, a palm-fringed lagoon.

Check in at your hotel, then make an evening

visit to the green turtle nesting site at Ras Al

Jinz beach. Stay overnight at the Ras Al Jinz

Turtle Reserve Hotel (or similar). (B)

Weather

Nizwa


A 23 24 28 33 38 39 38 36 35 33 28 24

B 12 13 16 21 24 26 26 25 23 20 16 13

C 16 26 21 19 10 4 5 8 1 1 6 10

Muscat


A 25 26 29 34 39 40 38 36 36 34 30 26

B 16 17 20 24 27 30 29 27 26 24 20 18

C 22 27 15 11 5 1 2 5 0 0 5 10




Nizwa

Visit the key cultural and scenic sights of

Oman including magnificent forts and

palaces, the rolling dunes of Sharqiya Sands,

Oman’s highest mountains, and picturesque

coastal fishing villages. Discover the warmth

of the Omani people and travel between the

contrasting landscapes of the desert, sea

and mountains.


Spend a night under the desert sky in

Sharqiya Sands

Travel in 4x4 vehicles from Day 4

Visit the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve †

Visit a traditional Omani home and see

local artisans at work

Day 1: Overnight flight to Muscat


available) to Muscat with Oman Air. (N)

Day 2: Arrive Muscat

Transfer to the Radisson Blu Hotel for a

3-night stay. Enjoy a welcome lunch to meet

the rest of the group and guide. (B, L)

Day 3: Muscat

Morning visit to the spectacular Grand

Mosque † , followed by a tour of the city,

including a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum,

Day 6: Sharqiya Sands

Take a scenic drive through the eastern Hajar

Mountains to Sharqiya Sands. Stop at Wadi

Bani Khalid, a picturesque river valley, before

continuing to Sharqiya Sands, home to the

Bedouin people. Stay overnight at Arabian

Nights Resort (or similar) * . (B, D)

Day 7: Nizwa

Early departure for Nizwa, stopping en route

at the Wadi Al Madeen checkpoint, which

leads to the high peaks of Jabal Akhdar, with

spectacular views. Stay 2 nights at The Sama

Hotel, Jabal Akdhar (or similar) * . (B, D)

Day 8: Nizwa & surrounds

Morning visit to the impressive new souk,

then visit the massive Nizwa Fort, which

dominates the town. Drive past the date

plantations in Al Hamra village and visit a

traditional Omani house at Bait Al Safah.

After lunch, continue to Bahla to visit a

pottery and watch mud vessels being made.

Continue to Jabal Shams, Oman’s highest peak,

stopping en route at Wadi Ghul and Wadi

Nakher farming villages before returning to

Nizwa for a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 9: Bahla fort • Muscat

Leave for Muscat. En route, visit Bahla Fort, a

UNESCO World Heritage Site, before driving

through the Sumail Gap to Muscat. Arrive back

in Muscat in the late afternoon. Stay overnight

at the Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat. (B)


Transfer to the airport for a flight from Muscat

to London with Oman Air. (B)



34


REGION

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Salalah


Relax in the semi-tropical province of Dhofar.

Stay in the capital, Salalah, visit some of the

cultural sites around the city and unwind

amid the palm trees and coconut groves.

Day 9: Fly to Salalah

Morning flight to Salalah (flying time approx. 1

hour). Transfer to the Crowne Plaza for

2 nights. (B)

Day 10: Salalah & surrounds

Local visits to Taqah, the province’s second

town; the ancient port of Khor Rouri; and

picturesque Mirbat. (B)

Day 11: Fly to London via Muscat

Morning flight to Muscat. Afternoon flight to

London with Oman Air. (B)


*

Accommodation: This tour is based in

4-star accommodation, with the exception

of Sharqiya Sands and Nizwa, where the

accommodation should be considered more

basic. Transport is by air-conditioned minibus

and by 4x4 vehicle from Day 4 onwards.

†

Turtle viewing: Turtles are most commonly

seen between July-October.


Group tour


Guide price month: Feb-Mar


Guide price month: Sep-Oct


Wadi Shab

‡

Grand Mosque visit: Both men and women

visiting the mosque must be fully covered.

Women must also cover their head with a scarf.

Private & tailor-made travel: This itinerary can

be taken privately, for which guideline prices are

shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your

exact requirements. Please call 020 3930 5211

or visit CoxandKings.co.uk/make-an-enquiry

Private tour

Year round from £3,445


Tour code: OAO

Tour + luxury Muscat stay


Extend your tour with a relaxing stay at one

of Muscat’s best hotels, positioned on the

Gulf of Oman with the Hajar Mountains as

a backdrop.

Day 9: Muscat

This morning, take a private transfer to

The Chedi Muscat for a 2-night stay. (B)

Day 10: Muscat

Day at leisure. Dine at one of six on-site

restaurants, enjoy treatments at the Balinese

spa or cool down in one of three swimming

pools. (B)


Transfer to Muscat airport for an afternoon

flight to London with Oman Air. (B)

Oman Air flight upgrades

Business Class from £3,695 return

First Class from £7,195 return







Out (Mon) Rtn (Wed)

12 Feb 24 21 Feb 24

26 Feb 24 06 Mar 24

04 Mar 24 13 Mar 24

11 Mar 24 20 Mar 24

09 Sep 24 18 Sep 24

Out (Mon) Rtn (Wed)

23 Sep 24 02 Oct 24

30 Sep 24 09 Oct 24

07 Oct 24 16 Oct 24

14 Oct 24 23 Oct 24

Out (Mon) Rtn (Wed)

10 Feb 25 19 Feb 25

24 Feb 25 05 Mar 25

03 Mar 25 12 Mar 25

10 Mar 25 19 Mar 25

08 Sep 25 17 Sep 25

Out (Mon) Rtn (Wed)

22 Sep 25 01 Oct 25

29 Sep 25 08 Oct 25

06 Oct 25 15 Oct 25

13 Oct 25 22 Oct 25




35

Central Asia

& beyond

Small group tours • Tailor-made travel

Many moons ago, caravans laden with silk, tea, perfume and porcelain crossed Central

Asia to the markets of Europe and Africa. Heading in the opposite direction: honey, horses,

glassware and gold. And along this ancient Silk Road, nations and empires emerged.

You can explore this fascinating legacy in Uzbekistan, birthplace of conqueror Timur

and home to blue-domed mosques, madrassas and mausoleums. Timur’s descendants

founded the Mughal Empire, whose influence you can see first-hand in the landmarks of

Lahore, Pakistan. The yurt-studded steppe of Kazakhstan, meanwhile, offers the chance to

experience a traditional nomadic lifestyle. Neighbouring Kyrgyzstan is home to impressive

scenery, including the Issyk-Kul Lake, the Tian Shan mountains, and Bishkek’s Soviet

architecture. In Turkmenistan, the city of Merv provides insight into ancient Persian rule,

while Tajikistan promises off-the-radar highlights.

Discover Central Asia & beyond

38 Central Asia & beyond

40 Uzbekistan


42 Uzbekistan: Heart of Central Asia

Specialist-led group tours

44 Uzbekistan: The Golden Road to Samarkand

46 Pakistan: Persians, Mughals & Mystics









Image left: Dome of Tilya-Kori Madrasa, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, as seen on the ‘Heart of Central Asia’ tour, p. 42

37

CENTRAL ASIA & BEYOND

Discover Central Asia & beyond

Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan

Bucolic scenery • Kokand’s impressive palace

The fertile Fergana Valley is a picture of

plunging green slopes in eastern Uzbekistan,

and was once an important trading post along

the ancient Silk Road. This is the birthplace of

Babur, who established the Mughal empire

that would go on to rule over much of South

Asia. Kokand – a gateway city into the valley –

is home to a number of impressive historical

buildings. The most notable of these is the

grand 19th-century Palace of Khudayar Khan,

a national monument that dazzles with its

intricate arabesque decoration. The Fergana

Valley is available as an extension to both

Cox & Kings group tours to Uzbekistan.

Lahore, Pakistan

Palace of Khudayar Khan, Kokand, Uzbekistan

Impressive Islamic architecture • Tomb of

Mughal emperor Jahangir

The Mughal Empire, which ruled over much of

the Indian Subcontinent, had its origins in Central

Asia. Babur, its founder, was a direct descendant

of Timur. He brought Mongol traditions, Persian

high culture, and patronage of Islamic art to

Pakistan. Lahore – Pakistan’s second city – is

replete with landmarks from this period. This

includes the Badshahi Mosque, commissioned

by Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century;

the Royal Fort, one of the finest examples of

Indo-Islamic architecture; the Persianate Shahi

Hamman (‘Royal Baths’); and the Tomb of

Emperor Jahangir – the only one of the six major

Mughal emperors to be buried here.

Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, Pakistan

Experiences in Central Asia

Hike in the Altyn-Emel National Park

Kazakhstan

When the west wind blows, the dunes of

Altyn-Emel ‘sing’; this natural phenomenon is

one of the national park’s major attractions.

Hikes here promise tremendous desert

vistas populated by multi-hued bluffs, vast

mountains, and sun-cracked channels carving

through ancient valleys.

Tour an Aral Sea ghost town

Uzbekistan

Once the world’s fourth largest lake, the Aral

Sea has almost completely dried up due to

poor agricultural planning. Today, its vast,

desolate basin is a ship graveyard. Visit the

rusting ghost town of Muynak, once a fishing

village, for insight into this ecological disaster.

Witness eagle hunting in Djety-Oguz

Kyrgyzstan

The nomads of Kyrgyzstan practise an age-old

way of life. You can learn about their traditions

during an excursion to the Djety-Oguz gorge,

where red massifs jut out of spruce forests.

Join an eagle-hunting showcase, and learn

traditional cooking from a local Uyghur family.

38


Lernidee Orient Silk Road Express

Follow in the path of Silk Road traders with a

stay aboard one of Lernidee’s premium sleeper

trains. The rail operator offers a ‘Legendary

Silk Road’ service, embarking from Kazakhstan,

continuing through Uzbekistan, and finishing

in Turkmenistan. En-route excursions include

visits to the capital cities of Almaty and

Tashkent; as well as seven UNESCO World

Heritage Sites, including Khiva, Bukhara and

Samarkand. The air-conditioned express train

features a restaurant carriage with dining

area and bar service. Sleeper cabins come in

five categories, the most lavish of which

boasts private en-suite facilities for

complete comfort.

Suggested itinerary

The Legendary Silk Road

by Rail: Almaty to Tashkent

15 days & 14 nights



This rail journey traverses Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan,

travelling to the Tian Shan mountains

along the route of the ancient Silk Road.

Cross windswept deserts, pass towering

mountains, explore local cultures and

marvel at Central Asia’s ancient monuments.

Day 1: Fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan (N)

Day 2: Almaty

Arrive in Almaty. Transfer to the Rahat Palace

Hotel (or similar) for 1 night. Afternoon

excursion to Medeo with cable-car ride up to

the Talgar Pass. (N)

Day 3: Almaty

Morning city tour including the Russian

Orthodox Zenkov Cathedral, one of the

world’s tallest wooden buildings. Lunch in

Kazakh yurts before transferring to the

Orient Silk Road Express train. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Issyk-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan

Arrive at Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. Visit

the Centre of Nomadic Culture before time

at leisure for a walk along the shore of this

vast saline lake. After a boat trip on the

Issyk-Kul, your train makes its way to Bishkek.

Overnight aboard the train. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Arrive at the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek for

a tour of its numerous sights, including an

excursion into the spectacular Ala-Archa

National Park, 35km south of the city.

Overnight in Plaza Hotel Bishkek (or similar).

(B, L, D)

Day 6: Bishkek

Enjoy a relaxing day of lectures aboard your

Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Samarkand

train as it makes the journey to Samarkand,

Uzbekistan. Overnight aboard the train.

(B, L, D)

Day 7: Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Full-day tour of Samarkand, with visits

to Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, the imposing

madrasas on Registan Square, and the

excavation sites of Afrasiyob – among the

oldest ruins of this ancient city. Stay at the

Hotel Grand Samarkand (or similar) for 2

nights. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Samarkand

Explore more of Samarkand, including

the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the Ulugh Beg

Observatory and the Gur Amir mausoleum.

You also visit a silk carpet factory, and a

family of craftspeople who specialise in

making paper from bark. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Shahrisabz

Attend a traditional folklore show before

visiting Shahrisabz, birthplace of Timur.

Overnight aboard the train. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Arrive this morning in Dushanbe, the

mountain-bound capital of Tajikistan, touring

its many sights. Overnight aboard the train.

(B, L, D)

Day 11: Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Arrive in Bukhara, whose many monuments

reflect the glory days of the Silk Road. Visit

the 12th-century Kalyan Minaret, the Lyabi-

Hauz architectural ensemble, and the statue

of smiling folk hero Nasreddin. Then attend

a folklore show with music, traditional dance

and national costumes. Overnight at Hotel

Asia Bukhara (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 12: Bukhara

Full-day tour, including visits to the ornate

Mir-i-Arab madrasa, the Ark fortress,

the Samanid Mausoleum, and Sitorai

Molhi-Khosa – the summer residence of

Uzbekistan’s last emir. Overnight aboard the

train. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Khiva

Today, visit the oasis city of Khiva with its

great gates and clay-brick bastions. A walking

tour takes you around the well-preserved

medieval palaces, mosques, mausoleums,

minarets and madrasas. Overnight aboard

the train. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Tashkent

Arrive this afternoon in Tashkent,

Uzbekistan’s capital. Take a city tour, visiting

the Kukeldash Madrasa, Timur monuments,

and traditional clay houses. This evening,

attend a farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel

Mercure (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 15: Fly home (N)

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5211



39

CENTRAL ASIA • UZBEKISTAN

Discover Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is home to a fascinating blend

of arid desert, open steppe, lush oases

and fertile river valleys. It is, however, the

ancient history and culture that makes this

the most alluring destination in Central Asia.

Set on the ancient Silk Road, for centuries

Uzbekistan was besieged by waves of traders,

nomads and conquerors. The architectural

legacy that remains is awe-inspiring. Visit

intricately decorated mosques, madrasas

and mausoleums, as well as immense palaces

and fortresses in Samarkand, Bukhara and

Khiva – once some of the most powerful

cities in the world. In the capital, Tashkent,

the more recent remnants of Soviet rule are

equally fascinating.

Samarkand

Magnificent architecture of Registan Square •

Ulugbek observatory

Samarkand is one of the world’s oldest cities

and has seen periods of power and decline

throughout its 2,700-year history. It was

destroyed by Alexander the Great, the Arabs,

Genghis Khan and many other conquerors, but

rose again each time. In the 14th century, when

Timur made Samarkand his capital, it became

one of the most powerful cities in the world.

Tashkent

Part modern capital, part traditional Uzbek town

• Colossal monuments & colourful local life

Sher-Dor Madrasa, Registan Square, Samarkand

Samarkand was also an influential scientific

centre. Among the many scholars here was

Ulugbek, Timur’s grandson and the ruler

of Samarkand. His observatory, built in the

1400s, was a model for the two famous Indian

observatories of the 18th century in Jaipur

and Delhi.

Although little remains of Tashkent’s history,

there has been a settlement on this site, where

the western outreaches of the Tian Shan

Mountains meet the Kyzylkum Desert, since

at least the first century BC. In 1966, it was

devastated by an earthquake, which allowed

the Soviet designers free rein to rebuild the

city with lots of open spaces.

Visit the old city quarter, which partially

escaped the planning and redesign of the city.

Some of the principal attractions include the

Kukeldash and Barak Khan madrasas, Tillya

Sheikh mosque, Kaffal Shashi mausoleum and

the Chorsu bazaar.

Chorsu bazaar, Tashkent

40


Bukhara

Kalyan minaret • The Ark, an imposing

fortress

Lord Curzon described Bukhara as “the most

interesting city in the world”. The city offers an

amazing array of monuments covering 1,000

years of history, including the renowned Kalyan

minaret. It is 47 metres tall and was probably

the tallest structure in Central Asia when built

by Arslan Khan in 1127. The oldest monument

in Bukhara is the Ismail Samani mausoleum,

built in the early 10th century for the founder

of the Samanid dynasty. It was partially buried

during Genghis Khan's visit, and so escaped his

attentions.

Khiva & Urgench

Remarkably well-preserved ‘museum city’ of

Khiva with enormous city walls

Kalyan Minaret and mosque, Bukhara

No visit to Bukhara is complete without a

tour of the Ark, an imposing fortress that was

continuously occupied from the fifth century

until the 1920s.

The ancient city of Khiva lies around 450km

north-west of Bukhara. Another of the Silk

Road cities, Khiva has been extensively

restored and is in effect a giant open-air

museum. Many of the mosques and madrasas

located within the old city are no longer in use,

but instead contain numerous displays and

collections. The old city is surrounded by an

18th-century mud-brick wall and has four main

entrance gates.

Urgench is the capital of the Khorazm province,

wedged between the Amu Darya River and

the Turkmen border, and is mainly used by

travellers as a transport hub for Khiva, which is

around 40km away.

Traditional silks produced in Khiva

Suggested itinerary

Central Asia Explorer

14 days & 12 nights


Category • Discovery

Explore two of Central Asia’s contrasting

countries; discover Silk Road history in the

former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan, and

experience the nomadic culture and green

open spaces of Kyrgyzstan.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Fly overnight to Tashkent and transfer to

the Miran International Hotel for 1 night.

Afternoon tour of the old city. (N)

Days 3 & 4: Samarkand

Drive to Samarkand and explore the city,

including Registan Square. Stay at Emirkhan

Hotel for 2 nights. The next day, continue your

exploration on a full-day city tour. (B) (B, D)

Days 5 & 6: Bukhara

Travel to Bukhara and visit the silk market,

the Jewish Quarter and Poi-Kalyan complex.

Sample a range of herbal teas in the old part

of the city. Stay 2 nights at Malika Bukhara.

Continue your exploration the following day.

(B, D) (B)

Day 7: Tashkent

Morning at leisure. Take the Afrosiyob train

to Tashkent and transfer to the Miran

International Hotel for 1 night. (B)

Day 8: Fly to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Fly to Bishkek, via Almaty, and transfer to the

Plaza Hotel for 2 nights. (B)

Day 9: Ala-Archa National Park • Bishkek

Drive south to Ala-Archa National Park, which

offers a range of walking options, from gentle

strolls to more strenuous hikes. Return to

Bishkek for a city tour. (B)

Day 10: Burana Tower • Issyk-Kul lake

Visit the Burana Tower and its surrounding

ruins, an important Silk Road trading post.

See the Bronze Age petroglyphs at

Cholpon-Ata. Overnight at Karven Issyk-Kul

Hotel. (B, D)

Day 11: Karakol

Drive to Karakol and visit the museum

dedicated to the Russian explorer Nikolai

Przewalski. Stay 2 nights at Hotel Amir. (B)

Day 12: Djety-Oguz

Walk through Djety-Oguz Gorge, with its

impressive red-rock formations and spruce

forests. See a golden eagle hunting show and

join a Uyghur family to learn how to cook

traditional dishes. (B)

Day 13: Bokonbaevo • Bishkek

Short walk at Fairy Tale Canyon then continue

to Bokonbaevo village. Visit a local handicraft

centre before driving to Bishkek and staying

overnight at the Plaza Hotel. (B)

Day 14: Fly home

Transfer to Bishkek airport and fly home. (B)

Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5211



41


Uzbekistan:

Heart of Central Asia







people (max 20)

3- & 4-star accommodation


upgrades available


Internal flights as specified





fees included

Porterage at all hotels

High-speed rail between

Samarkand and Tashkent

Weather

Tashkent


A 6 8 15 22 28 34 36 34 29 21 14 9

B -3 -1 4 10 14 18 20 18 13 8 4 0

C 60 57 79 73 47 11 7 2 6 44 56 60

Samarkand


A 6 8 13 21 26 32 34 32 28 21 14 9

B -4 -2 3 9 13 16 18 16 11 6 2 -1

C 39 35 59 62 34 4 3 1 3 21 22 35




Set on the Silk Road, Uzbekistan has played

host to waves of conquerors and nomads.

See the legacy they left behind in the

towering fortresses of Khiva and Bukhara,

and the Islamic architecture of Samarkand.

The remnants of more recent Soviet history

are evident in the capital city, Tashkent.


Comprehensive tours of the mosques,

madrasas and mausoleums of Khiva,

Bukhara and Samarkand

Learn how to prepare traditional Uzbek

cuisine with a cooking demonstration

Excursion to Shahrisabz, birthplace of

Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur

Travel by Uzbekistan’s famous

Afrosiyob train from Samarkand

to Tashkent

Day 1: Fly to Tashkent

Fly overnight from London (regional

connections available) to Tashkent with

Uzbekistan Airways. (N)

Day 2: Tashkent

Arrive and transfer to the Mercure Tashkent

(or similar) for 1 night. Afternoon tour of the

old city, stopping at the Kukeldash mosque

and madrasa. (D)

Day 3: Fly to Urgench • Khiva

Transfer to the airport and take a one-hour

morning flight to Urgench. Visit the ancient

Gur-Emir mausoleum, Samarkand

fortresses of Ayaz-Kala and Toprak Kala before

an afternoon drive to Khiva via Ulli Khovli.

Stay 2 nights at the Malika Kheivak Hotel

(or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 4: Khiva

Full-day tour of Khiva, including Kunya Ark,

Islam Khoja minaret, Tash Hauli palace and a

local bakery. (B, D)

Day 5: Bukhara

Full-day drive to Bukhara (7-8 hours) through

the Kyzylkum Desert, stopping at the Amu

Darya River for photos. Stay at the Minorai

Kalon (or similar) for 3 nights. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Bukhara

City tour of Bukhara, including visits to

Chor Minor mosque, the Poi-Kalyan complex,

the surviving trading domes, and Lyab-i-Hauz

– once the city’s principal source of water.

This evening enjoy dinner and a cooking

demonstration. (B, D)

Day 7: Bukhara

After breakfast, continue your tour of Bukhara,

including visits to The Ark, a vast fortress

whose foundations date back 2,000 years; the

Summer Palace; and the Samanid mausoleum,

built in the early 10th century with a facade

incorporating Zoroastrian symbols. (B)

Day 8: Shahrisabz • Samarkand

Drive to Shahrisabz, birthplace of Timur,

and visit the summer palace, mosques and

mausoleums. Continue to Samarkand for

3 nights at the Hotel Royal (or similar).

(B, L, D)

Day 9: Samarkand

Full-day tour of Samarkand, including visits

to Registan Square, the Ulugbek observatory,

42


REGION

Itchan Kala, Khiva

Afrosiab Museum, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis,

and the Bibi Khanum mosque. (B)

Day 10: Samarkand

Continue your tour of Samarkand. Visit Gur-

Emir mausoleum, which marks the final resting

place of several members of the Timurid

dynasty, including Timur himself. Other visits

include Nodir Divan Begi madrasa, Hazrat Khizr

mosque and the Khodja Doniyor mausoleum.

After lunch, stop at a silk carpet factory before

returning to your hotel. (B, D)

Day 11: Tashkent

Morning at leisure in Samarkand. This afternoon

visit one of Samarkand’s renowned silk paper

workshops before travelling by rail to Tashkent.

Transfer to the Mercure Tashkent (or similar)

for 1 night. (B, D)


Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the

airport. Fly from Tashkent to London with

Uzbekistan Airways. (B)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Fergana Valley


Extend your tour and explore Uzbekistan’s

cultural heartland with visits to some of the

major towns of the Fergana valley.


Discovery tour: Cox & Kings uses the best

available accommodation in Uzbekistan.

However, outside Tashkent the standard is

relatively simple. This tour involves some long

drives and walking over rough terrain.


Group tour






Uzbekistan Airways flight upgrades


Private tour

From £3,379









Out Rtn

22 Mar 24 02 Apr 24

12 Apr 24 23 Apr 24

19 Apr 24 30 Apr 24

26 Apr 24 07 May 24

03 May 24 14 May 24

17 May 24 28 May 24

06 Sep 24 17 Sep 24

Out Rtn

13 Sep 24 24 Sep 24

20 Sep 24 01 Oct 24

27 Sep 24 08 Oct 24

11 Oct 24 22 Oct 24

21 Mar 25 31 Mar 25

28 Mar 25 07 Apr 25

11 Apr 25 21 Apr 25







Out Rtn

18 Apr 25 28 Apr 25

25 Apr 25 05 May 25

02 May 25 12 May 25

16 May 25 26 May 25

29 Aug 25 08 Sep 25

05 Sep 25 15 Sep 25

12 Sep 25 22 Sep 25

Tour code: UZB

Out Rtn

20 Sep 25 29 Sep 25

26 Sep 25 06 Oct 25

10 Oct 25 20 Oct 25

24 Oct 25 03 Nov 25




43


Uzbekistan:

The Golden Road to Samarkand


Category • Specialist-led

Tour overview

Visit the most magnificent cities of

the ancient Silk Road with our Islamic

experts Diana Driscoll or Dr William

Taylor. These include Uzbekistan’s

second largest city, Samarkand, built

by the 14th-century emperor Timur;

the medieval city of Bukhara, with its

dazzling blue mosaic domes; the jadegreen

city of Khiva; and Nukus, which

once protected the Russian avant-garde

art collection of archaeologist and artist,

Igor Savitsky from the Soviets.



Art • Architecture • History

UNESCO-listed silk carpet workshop. (B)

Day 5: Drive to Bukhara

Full-day drive to Bukhara (7-8 hours), through

the Kyzylkum desert stopping at the Amu

Darya river, known as the ‘Oxus river’ in the

ancient world. Stay at Emir Hotel (or similar)

for 4 nights. (B, L)

Day 6: Bukhara

Take a full-day walking tour of Bukhara, visiting

the Persian Samanid brick mausoleum, the

Chashmai Ayub, known as Job’s Well, and the

Bolo Hauz mosque. Visit the trade domes,

madrasas and traditional Bukharan bazaars.

Continue to the Poi-Kalyan complex, which

includes the towering Kalyan minaret and the

twin-domed Mir-i-Arab madrasa. (B)

Specialist-led group tour

See traditional silk weavers at work

Discover the intricacies of

Samarkand’s Islamic architecture

Visit ceramic workshops

Travel by Uzbekistan’s famous

Afrosiyob train from Samarkand

to Tashkent

Specialist lecturers

Diana Driscoll read

ancient Middle East and

Islamic studies at SOAS.

She is an independent

researcher who gives

regular talks at the British

Museum. Her area of

expertise is the Islamic world: religion,

history, culture and languages.

Dr William Taylor, an

expert in Ottoman and

Orthodox studies, is

also an Anglican priest

and Chairman of the

Anglican and Eastern

Churches. His personal

contacts guarantee special access to

many monasteries and churches. He

has worked in Jordan, Cairo and Turkey,

and has travelled in the Middle East and

Central Asia.

Ceramics workshop

Day 1: Fly to Tashkent

Board the overnight flight from London

(regional connections available) to Tashkent

with Uzbekistan Airways. (N)

Day 2: Tashkent • Fly to Nukus

Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to the Hotel

Inspira-S Tashkent (or similar) for a rest.

After an introductory lecture and welcome

lunch, take a city tour to see the highlights

of Tashkent, including Kukeldash madrasa,

the Museum of Applied Arts, Muyie Mubarak

library and Tillya Sheikh mosque. In the

afternoon, fly to Nukus and overnight at Jipek

Joli (or similar). (B, L)

Day 3: Chilpak • Khiva

Morning tour of the Karakalpakstan State

Museum of Art, which houses the collection of

Igor Savitsky, who secreted away thousands

of Russian avant-garde and post-avant-garde

paintings during the Stalinist Soviet period.

Besides this rare and extensive collection of

art (second only to St Petersburg), he also

collected thousands of Uzbek artefacts, textiles

and jewellery. Tour the museum with a local

specialist. En route to Khiva, stop at Chilpak to

see the fourth-century Zoroastrian Tower of

Silence. Stay for 2 nights at Orient Star Khiva /

Feruzkhan Hotel (or similar). (B, D)

Day 4: Khiva

Full-day tour of the old walled city of Khiva,

capital of Khorezm between the 16th and

20th centuries, and one of the most remote

of the Silk Road cities. Visits include the

Kunya Ark fortress, the original residence of

the Khiva khans; the beautifully decorated

Tash Hauli (stone palace); the Friday Mosque;

and madrasas (theological colleges), which

now house museum collections. Also visit a

Day 7: Bukhara

Visit the architectural ensemble around the

Lyab-i-Hauz pool, fed by the waters of the royal

canal. Continue to the Chor Minor, a curious

four-towered gatehouse, and the Sitora-i

Mokhi-Khosa, the summer palace of Bukhara’s

last emir. Then visit the Fayzulla Khodjaev

Museum, set in the house of a wealthy

merchant and showing aspects of life in the

early 20th century. Continue to the Balyand

mosque, a jewel of 16th-century architecture,

and the imposing Ark fortress of the Bukhara

emirs. Walk down the narrow streets of historic

Bukhara to the old Jewish quarter. See one of

the city’s hidden gems, the Jewish synagogue,

which houses a collection of ancient torahs

dating back approximately 600 years. (B)

Day 8: Rabati Malik • Gijduvan • Vabkent

Drive the royal road to the 11th-century Rabati

Malik caravanserai (a trading route stopoff).

Continue to Gijduvan, renowned for its

traditional ceramics, and see Abd-al-Khalyk

Gijduvani shrine. Return to Bukhara via Vabkent

to see the minaret commissioned in the 12th

century by one of Bukhara’s rulers. (B, L)

Day 9: Shahrisabz • Samarkand

Drive to Shahrisabz, birthplace of Timur, where

he built an enormous palace, of which part of

the beautifully ornamented audience chamber

remains. Drive alongside the Zarafshan

Mountains to Samarkand for 2 nights at the

Dilimah Premium / Malika Diyora / Hotel

Royal (or similar). (B)

Day 10: Afrosiyob • Samarkand

Drive to the ancient deserted site of Afrosiyob

on the outskirts of Samarkand, where a

settlement once thrived until it was destroyed

by Timur. Archaeological finds are housed in

the Afrosiyob History Museum. Continue to the

observatory of Ulugbek, Timur’s astronomer

grandson, and see the Bibi Khanum mosque,

44


Bibi Khanum Mosque Complex, Samarkand

built by Timur for his favourite wife. End the day

at the magnificent Gur-Emir mausoleum, where

Timur is buried beneath the Timurid fluted blue

domes. (B)

Day 11: Samarkand • Tashkent

Visit the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis and the

Samarkand Museum of History, Culture & Art.

In the afternoon, travel by rail to Tashkent.

After a farewell dinner, overnight at the

Inspira-S Tashkent (or similar). (B, D)

Day 12: Tashkent • Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for a flight to London. (B)



and Fergana. (B, D)

Day 14: Kokand • Tashkent

Return to Tashkent visiting the ancient city of

Kokand en route. Overnight at the Inspira-S

Tashkent (or similar). (B)


Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Alternative extensions are also available to

Tashkent and Muynak.


Specialist-led tour: Curated and led by

specialists in their field, these itineraries

are especially suited to lovers of history, art


unavailable to the wider public.

Accessibility: The tour involves some long

drives and requires a good level of fitness as

there is walking over rough terrain and up

some high, uneven steps. There are also some

long road journeys.

Private visits: Please note that the exclusive

and individual nature of private visits means

that they are subject to confirmation nearer

the time of departure. Mosques, private

houses and other buildings often have fluid

opening times. If any visits have to be rearranged,

please be assured that we will seek

alternatives of equal interest.

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Fergana Valley


Extend your tour and explore Uzbekistan’s

cultural heartland with visits to some of the

major towns of the Fergana valley. Highlights

include Andijan’s vibrant local market and

the Yodgorlik silk factory in Margilan, which

still uses traditional production methods

that date back to the days of the Silk Road

caravans.

Day 12: Fergana valley

Drive to the Fergana region of Uzbekistan.

Stay for 2 nights at the Hotel Asia Fergana /

Grand Fergana (or similar). (B, D)

Day 13: Fergana valley

Full-day tour of the region, including Andijan


Uzbekistan Airways flight upgrades


Tour code: UZA

05 Apr – 16 Apr 24 with Diana Driscoll from £3,495 single supp. from £435

19 Apr – 30 Apr 24 with Dr William Taylor from £3,395 single supp. from £435

20 Sep – 01 Oct 24 with Dr William Taylor from £3,395 single supp. from £435

11 Oct – 22 Oct 24 with Diana Driscoll from £3,495 single supp. from £435

04 Apr – 15 Apr 25 with Diana Driscoll from £3,595 single supp. from £495

25 Apr – 06 May 25 with Dr William Taylor from £3,595 single supp. from £495

19 Sep – 30 Sep 25 with Dr William Taylor from £3,595 single supp. from £495

10 Oct – 21 Oct 25 with Diana Driscoll from £3,595 single supp. from £495









45

CENTRAL ASIA • PAKISTAN

Pakistan:

Persians, Mughals & Mystics




History • Art • Architecture • Archaeology

Tour overview

The Mughal Empire, derived from the

word Mongol, originated in Central

Asia. Babur, its first ruler, was a direct

descendant of the ruler and conqueror

Timur. He united Mongol traditions,

Persian high culture and the Central

Asian patronage of Islamic art with the

wealth and vibrancy of the subcontinent.

Accompanied by Diana Driscoll, an expert

in Islamic history and culture, venture to

one of the Empire’s less-visited successor

states, Pakistan, and explore the legacy

of a dynasty whose enduring cultural

influence travelled as far as the court

of Queen Victoria.


Specialist-led group tour

Visit the tomb of the fourth Mughal

emperor, Jahangir

Experience the famous Wagah border

ceremony

Admire the grandeur of the Royal Fort

in Lahore

See the artisans who produce Multan’s

renowned Kashikari glazed pottery

Specialist lecturer

Diana Driscoll read

ancient Middle East and

Islamic studies at SOAS.

She is an independent

researcher who gives

regular talks at the British

Museum. Her area of

expertise is the Islamic world: religion,

history, culture and languages.

Day 1: London

Fly overnight from London to Lahore via Dubai

or Qatar. (N)

Day 2: Lahore

Arrive in Lahore, Pakistan, and check in at

Faletti’s Hotel. After a rest, proceed to tour

the Shalimar Gardens followed by an evening

lecture and welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3: Lahore

Enjoy a full day’s sightseeing of Lahore, the

historic capital of both the Mughal Empire

and the Punjab region. Highlights include the

renowned Badshahi Mosque, commissioned

by Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century,

as well as the Royal Fort, one of the finest

examples of Indo-Islamic architecture on

the subcontinent. Visit both the Wazir Khan

Mosque and the Persianate Shahi Hamman

(‘Royal Baths’) which underwent a full

restoration from 2013-2015. (B)

Day 4: Lahore

Morning visit to the tomb of Emperor Jahangir,

the only one of the six major Mughal

emperors to be buried in what is now Pakistan.

Continue to the nearby tomb of his favourite

wife, Nur Jahan, before returning to central

Lahore. In the afternoon, visit the Lahore

Museum, famous in the works of Rudyard

Kipling and home to an array of impressive

Tomb of Emperor Jahangir, Lahore

Mughal artefacts. The day concludes with a

visit to the bustling Anarkali Bazaar, which

dates from the reign of Emperor Akbar the

Great. (B, L)

Day 5: Harappa • Multan

Depart Lahore for the city of Multan. Stop

en route to visit the ancient site of Harappa,

once home to one of the earliest civilisations

on the subcontinent. Arrive in Multan and

visit a workshop where artisans still produce

the city’s famous Kashikari pottery, a style

brought by Mongol invaders from Central Asia.

Continue to your hotel and stay at Faletti’s

Grand Multan for 3 nights. Optional afternoon

excursion to the tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam to

see and hear local Sufi musicians perform

their art. (B)

Day 6: Uch Sharif • Multan

This morning, drive to Uch Sharif. Said to have

been founded by Alexander the Great, the city

has long been a stronghold of Islamic rule in

the subcontinent. See the famous Sufi shrines,

including the Tomb of Bibi Jiwandi, which is

currently working towards full UNESCO World

Heritage recognition. At the conclusion of your

tour, return to Multan. (B, L)

Day 7: Multan

Enjoy a morning tour of Multan, including

the city’s key Sufi shrines as well as the Shahi

46


Hiran Minar, Shekhepura, Pakistan

Eidgah mosque, an excellent example of later

Mughal architecture completed in the

mid-18th century. In the afternoon, enjoy

time at leisure or take an optional excursion

to visit the Multan Arts Bazaar. (B, L)

Day 8: Sheikhupura • Lahore

Departing Multan, drive to Sheikhupura where

you will see the impressive Hiran Minar. Built

by Emperor Jahangir, the complex unusually

commemorates the emperor’s favourite

antelope, which he named Mansraj. Jahangir

was noted for his love of wildlife both as

quarry for the hunt and to observe in the wild.

Proceed to Lahore and stay 2 nights at

Faletti’s Hotel. (B, L)

Day 9: Lahore

This morning, explore the historic Heera Mandi

district of Lahore, including the Fakir Khana

Museum, housed in a building which once

served as the home of the Mughal Emperor’s

Treasurer (subject to confirmation). In the

afternoon, enjoy an excursion to Wagah to see

the famous border ceremony, followed by a

farewell dinner. (B, D)


Transfer to Lahore Airport for your return flight

to London via Dubai or Qatar. (N)










Emirates flight upgrades


Accessibility: The tour involves some long

drives and requires a good level of fitness as

there is walking over rough terrain and up

some high, uneven steps. There are also some

long road journeys.




the time of departure. Mosques, private





Tour code: MUG

22 Feb – 02 Mar 24 with Diana Driscoll from £3,195 single supp. from £595

14 Nov – 23 Nov 24 with Diana Driscoll from £3,295 single supp. from £625

20 Feb – 01 Mar 25 with Diana Driscoll from £3,395 single supp. from £695

13 Nov – 22 Nov 25 with Diana Driscoll from £3,395 single supp. from £695









47

Latin America


For untamed landscapes on a truly grand scale, South America is perhaps unparalleled –

the thundering cataracts of the Iguazú Falls, the soaring peaks and glaciers of Patagonia,

vast swathes of rainforest in the Amazon basin, and the otherworldly vistas of the Atacama

Desert in Chile. Peru is home to one of the world’s most astounding archaeological sites,

Machu Picchu, while the stark volcanic outcrops of the Galápagos Islands are inhabited by

some of Earth’s most remarkable – and photogenic – wildlife.

The draws of Central America are equally hard to ignore – encounter mist-laden cloud

forests and errant sloths in Costa Rica, wander ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, cruise the

amazing feat of engineering that is the Panama Canal, and unwind in Belize on the

Caribbean coast with its sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

Our Latin America collection includes thrilling multi-country tours that can be taken privately

or as part of a small group, and we can arrange adventurous tailor-made itineraries that will

take you well off the beaten track.

Discover Latin America

50 Peru

56 Ecuador & the Galápagos

60 Chile

64 Argentina

70 Brazil

71 Colombia

78 Mexico

79 Cuba

84 Costa Rica


52 Train to Machu Picchu

54 Treasures of Peru • Solo Travellers tour

58 NEW • Peru & Galápagos Odyssey

62 Splendours of Chile

66 Patagonia: Untouched Wilderness

68 Wonders of the New World

72 Treasures of Colombia

74 Splendours of South America

76 Grand Tour of South America

80 Highlights of Mexico

82 Splendours of Cuba

86 Natural Splendours of Costa Rica

88 Panama & Costa Rica Experience • Solo Travellers tour

90 Splendours of Central America









Image left: Cuzco, Peru

49

LATIN AMERICA • PERU

Discover Peru

Peru offers a compelling combination of

stunning scenery, colourful local culture

and fascinating history. It contains many

unforgettable sights, from colonial cities

and pre-Columbian remains to soaring

mountain ranges, deep canyons, blue lakes

and the Amazon river and rainforest.

Peru is a place where the Inca culture is very

much present in the wonderfully preserved

ancient sites, the Quechua language and the

colourful weavings of the Andean people.

Today, the country is also known for its

irresistible flavours and is fast becoming

a foodie destination.

Machu Picchu, Cuzco &

the Sacred Valley

Impressive Inca ruins • Colonial architecture

A true wonder of the world, the Inca citadel

of Machu Picchu has well-preserved terraces,

temples and dwellings and a spectacular

natural setting. Situated on top of a mountain,

it can only be reached by train from Cuzco or

the Sacred Valley, a bus up a serpentine road,

or via a guided trek. Hikes on nearby trails

offer fantastic bird’s-eye vistas.

Lake Titicaca

Striking altiplano scenery • Floating islands

Machu Picchu

Once a capital of the Inca empire, the charming

city of Cuzco is home to colonial houses,

fascinating museums and enticing novoandina

restaurants. Highlights include the main square,

the cathedral with valuable art masterpieces

and Koricancha – the ‘Temple of the Sun’.

Overlooking the city, the ceremonial centre of

Sacsayhuamán has enormous stones fitted with

incredible precision. The nearby Sacred Valley

is set against the backdrop of the Andes and

dotted with interesting sites such as the circular

terraces of Moray, the dazzling Maras saltpans

and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.

One of the world’s highest navigable lakes,

the serene Lake Titicaca straddles the border

between Bolivia and Peru. Its dark-blue waters

are home to indigenous communities and

islands such as the floating Uros, made entirely

from totora reed. Take a boat and see spectacular

lake panoramas, golden-brown reed houses

and rafts, and the colourfully dressed locals. It

is also possible to visit the stone burial towers

of Sillustani or Taquile Island, where fishermen

and weavers maintain their ancient trades. The

Sun and Moon islands, on the Bolivian side of the

lake, can also be included as a day trip or as an

overnight stay en route to La Paz.

Uros islands, Lake Titicaca

50


Experiences

in Peru

Santa Catalina Convent, Arequipa

Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Colonial churches & convents • Inca ice

maidens • Andean condor spotting

Set beneath the snow-capped volcano of Misti,

Arequipa – the ‘White City’ – has fine colonialera

architecture and many old and interesting

churches built of sillar, a pearly-white volcanic

stone. Highlights include the Santa Catalina

Convent, a walled monastery with beautiful

courtyards and colourful buildings; and a small,

fascinating museum displaying the 500-year-old

bodies of Inca sacrifices found frozen on nearby

mountain summits.

Colca is an ideal stop on the way to Lake

Titicaca and an area of outstanding natural

beauty, with huge patchworks of pre-Inca

terracing and unspoilt Andean villages lying

on both sides of the dramatic canyon. Relax

in thermal springs and spot majestic Andean

condors at very close range from several

scenic lookouts.

Casa de Aliaga, Lima

Peruvian Amazon

Diverse wildlife • Rainforest lodges •

Luxury cruises

Some of the most biologically diverse and

pristine areas of the Amazon basin lie in Peru.

The sprawling carpet of rainforest stretches into

the horizon with meandering coffee-coloured

rivers weaving their way through. Giant ceiba

trees emerge from the tree canopy and an

incredible variety of wildlife hides beneath.

Explore the jungle from a comfortable ecolodge

in the south near Puerto Maldonado,

accessible by air from both Lima and Cuzco.

Take guided walks and boat trips and spot

tiny lizards, colourful frogs, howler monkeys,

black caimans, giant river otters, toucans and

macaws. Alternatively, watch the Amazon

world pass by on a three-, four- or seven-night

cruise from Iquitos in the north; discover the

outstanding array of flora and fauna, and visit

small riverside communities.

Lima & the Coast

The riverboat Aqua Nera, Amazon

Excellent museums • Mysterious Nazca Lines

Modern Lima has a large colonial heritage

including the San Francisco Monastery, famous

for its catacombs; and Casa de Aliaga, the city’s

oldest colonial mansion. Treasures of various

pre-Hispanic cultures are housed in excellent

museums such as the Larco, and renowned

restaurants offer gourmet Peruvian cuisine.

Go south to Paracas for a scenic overflight to

see the mysterious Nazca Lines etched into the

desert, or a boat trip to see Peruvian boobies,

cormorants and Humboldt penguins.

Luxury trains

Trains are a highlight of travel in Peru. For a

once-in-a lifetime experience, spend one or

two nights traversing the Andes aboard the

Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s

only luxury sleeper train. Alternatively, take

a scenic 10-hour day trip between Cuzco

and Lake Titicaca on the stylish Titicaca train.

The Belmond Hiram Bingham reflects the

sumptuous luxury of the 1920s Pullman

era and transports visitors in style to

Machu Picchu.

Local markets & communities

The picturesque villages of the Sacred Valley

are home to Incan descendants wearing

traditional attire and communities such

as Huilloc, all promising insight into local

culture. Outstanding textiles are still woven

with techniques unchanged for centuries,

and potatoes, guinea pigs and colourful

ponchos are bartered at lively markets

such as Pisac and Chinchero.

Inti Raymi festival

The most important Inca celebration in

honour of Inti, the Sun god, coincides with

the winter solstice. The present-day festivities,

held on 24 June, include a spectacular reenactment

starting at Koricancha. Hundreds

of Inca descendants in colourful finery,

accompanied by music and dancing, wind in

a procession to the main plaza of Cuzco,

before continuing to Sacsayhuamán for the

climax of the ritual ceremony.

Off-the-beaten-track Peru

Nothern Peru hides the remains of

numerous ancient civilisations, including the

Moche and Chimu cultures. Discover adobe

pyramids near Chiclayo and colonial Trujillo,

the colourful El Brujo murals, and fascinating

clifftop funerary sites at Revash and Karajia.

Take a cable car to the spectacular walled

city of Kuelap, explore little-known Gocta

Falls or relax on the desert coast around

Máncora, known for some of the best

beaches and Pacific retreats.

Suggested itinerary

Classic Peru

11 days & 9 nights

Standard from £2,395 (incl. flights)

Superior from £2,595 (incl. flights)

This introductory tour of Peru takes in the

country’s most celebrated sights.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Lima

Fly to Lima with KLM. Stay 2 nights and take

a city tour, including the colonial centre and

Huaca Pucllana. (N)

Day 3: Fly to Cuzco • Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco. Transfer to the Sacred Valley

via the colourful Pisac market and stay for 2

nights. (B)

Day 4: Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo

Day at leisure or an optional visit to

Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray. (B)

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Train to Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins and

stay overnight. (B, D)

Day 6: Cuzco

Afternoon train to Cuzco for a 2-night stay. (B)

Day 7: Cuzco

Morning tour of the city. Optional visit to

nearby ruins or a local museum. (B)

Days 8 & 9: Puno

Cross the altiplano by road or train to Puno

and stay for 2 nights. Visit Lake Titicaca and

the Uros reed islands. (B, L)

Days 10 & 11: Fly home

Fly home, via Lima, arriving the following day.

(B) (N)

Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3627 3097



51


Train to

Machu Picchu


Category • Superior & Luxury





people (max 18)


International & internal flights


upgrades available


vehicles



Welcome drink & a farewell dinner


fees included

Porterage at hotels

Inti Raymi † & Easter departures

Weather

Cuzco


A 17 17 17 18 18 18 17 18 18 19 19 18

B 4 4 4 3 0 -2 -2 -1 1 3 3 4

C 153 136 120 46 8 2 4 8 23 40 68 116




Machu Picchu is perhaps the most

breathtaking archaeological site in the

world. Yet Peru also offers a wealth of other

magnificent ancient, colonial and scenic sights.

Staying in good hotels with great character

and with some free time to relax, this tour

reveals Peru’s many wonders, including Cuzco

and Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca

and, of course, Machu Picchu.


Stay overnight at Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Visit the oldest private colonial mansion

in Lima

Spot majestic condors in Colca Canyon

Scenic train journey across the altiplano

and overnight aboard the luxury

Belmond Andean Explorer



available) to Lima and transfer to the Casa

Andina Premium Miraflores / Country Club

Lima Hotel * . Take a half-day city tour, including

Casa Aliaga, the oldest colonial mansion in

Lima, and the architectural masterpiece of San

Francisco monastery. (N) (B)

Day 3: Fly to Arequipa

Fly over the Andes to Arequipa, a city of white

buildings and colonnaded plazas surrounded

by ice-capped volcanoes. Transfer to the Costa

del Sol Wyndham for 2 nights. (B)

Day 4: Arequipa

Full-day city tour, including the beautiful Santa

Catalina convent, which dates from the 16th

century, and the Juanita Mummy Museum. (B, L)

Day 5: Colca Canyon

Drive into the Andes towards Colca Canyon

(approx 4 hours, partly on unpaved roads, with

stops en route). The scenery is breathtaking,

with the terraces of the Colca Valley and herds

of llamas scattered around. Overnight at

Aranwa Colca Hotel / Belmond Las Casitas * .

(B, L)

Days 6 & 7: Lake Titicaca

Early morning excursion to Condor’s Cross

to see magnificent condors flying over the

canyon. Visit the town of Maca, famed for its

pre-Columbian textiles, and continue by road

to Puno and Lake Titicaca (approx. 6 hours).

Stay 2 nights at the GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca on

the shore of the lake and take a full-day tour

of the floating Uros reed islands and Taquile

Island. (B, L)

Day 8: Luxury train to Cuzco

Take the stylish Belmond Andean Explorer train

to Cuzco. Relax over lunch or with a pisco sour

in the observation car as you pass through

gentle rolling Andean plains where vicuñas and

alpacas may be seen. Dinner and overnight on

board (bunk-bed cabin). Upgrade to a twin-bed

cabin from £125 per person. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Chinchero • Sacred Valley

Disembark the train and travel by road to

the indigenous village of Chinchero to see

its Inca terraces and a traditional weaving

demonstration. Continue to the Sacred

Valley and stay 2 nights at Casa Andina

Premium Sacred Valley / Inkaterra Hacienda

Urubamba * . (B, L)

Day 10: Sacred Valley

Half-day visit to the Inca fortress at

Ollantaytambo, an astounding feat of

construction and ingenuity. Afternoon at

leisure. (B)

Day 11: Machu Picchu

Drive to Ollanta and take the Vistadome train

to Machu Picchu. Tour the spectacular ruins

and stay overnight at the Inkaterra Machu

Picchu Hotel / Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel * .

(B, L, D * )

Day 12: Cuzco

Morning at leisure or further explore

Machu Picchu (purchase ticket at time of

booking). Return to Cuzco by rail and transfer

to the Casa Andina Premium Cuzco / Palacio

del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel * for 3

nights. (B)

Days 13 &14: Cuzco

Half-day tour of the Inca capital including

52


Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s only luxury sleeper train

the San Blas district, the cathedral and the

extraordinary Temple of the Sun at Koricancha.

Day 14 is at leisure, or take an optional

excursion to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum,

Awanacancha llama farm or the ruins of

Sacsayhuamán before your farewell dinner

that evening. (B) (D)

Days 15 & 16: Fly to London via Lima

Fly to London via Lima arriving the next day.

(B) (N)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Peruvian Rainforest



†

Inti Raymi festival

The 12 June 2024 departure coincides with

the Inti Raymi festival. It includes a full day of

ceremonial celebrations in honour of Inti, the

Sun God (see page 51 and enquire for details).

*

Tour standards: Superior tour departures

are based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.

Luxury tour departures feature upgraded

accommodation as indicated by the asterisks

and a special six-course tasting ‘Flavours of the

Andes’ dinner at Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel.

Please visit our website for details of the

hotels included.


Itinerary: The order of the itinerary allows

gradual adjustment to the altitude, while taking

in the major sights of Peru. There are some

early morning starts and long drives. Currently

all departures will fly to Peru via Amsterdam.

Optional upgrades: On Day 11, upgrade to

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge from £375, subject

to availability. On day 12 of the superior

departure it is possible to upgrade to the

Palacio del Inca, a Luxury Collection Hotel

from £165 per person.






The Peruvian Amazon has remarkable

biodiversity and the area around Puerto

Maldonado provides an excellent opportunity

to explore the rainforest, rivers and Sandoval

Lake – habitats for macaws, black caimans,

giant otters and monkeys.

Days 15 & 16: Fly to Puerto Maldonado

Fly to Puerto Maldonado and transfer by

motorised canoe to the Inkaterra Hacienda

Concepcion for 2 nights (individual bungalow).

Upgrade to Reserva Amazonica (Superior

river-view bungalow) from £225 per person.

Take shared guided walks and boat trips and

explore the Inkaterra hanging bridges that

allow you to observe the incredible rainforest

from the treetops. (B, L, D)

Days 17 & 18: Fly to Lima and on to London

(B) (N)

Tour + Nazca & Paracas


Travel south of Lima to Paracas (3.5 hours)

and stay for 2 nights at Aranwa Paracas or

La Hacienda Bahia on the bay, or upgrade to

Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort

from £110. Take a 90-minute overflight from

Pisco to see the mysterious drawings of the

Nazca Lines, left by pre-Inca civilisations, then

cruise to the Ballestas Islands, home to an

incredible concentration of sea birds including

Peruvian boobies.

Superior group tour




Guide price months: Apr-Oct


KLM Royal Dutch Airlines upgrades

Premium Comfort Class from £645 return


Luxury group tour


Guide price months: May-Oct


Superior private tour


Guide price months: Feb & Nov


Guide price months: May-Sep

Single supplement on request

The guideline tour prices are all per person in pound sterling, based on two people sharing a twin / double room. For

up-to-date prices for all departure dates, including special offers when applicable, please visit CoxandKings.co.uk.

All prices are subject to availability. Visit our website for all 2025 departure dates and itineraries.

Superior group tour departure dates for 2024

Out (Wed) Rtn (Thu)

27 Mar 24 11 Apr 24

10 Apr 24 25 Apr 24

24 Apr 24 09 May 24

01 May 24 16 May 24

22 May 24 06 Jun 24

Out (Wed) Rtn (Thu)

29 May 24 13 Jun 24

†

12 Jun 24 27 Jun 24

26 Jun 24 11 Jul 24

10 Jul 24 25 Jul 24

24 Jul 24 08 Aug 24

Luxury group tour departure dates for 2024

Out (Wed) Rtn (Thu)

08 May 24 23 May 24

05 Jun 24 20 Jun 24

Out (Wed) Rtn (Thu)

03 Jul 24 18 Jul 24


Prices on request: KLM to / from Aberdeen,

Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Manchester,

Leeds Bradford or Birmingham

Out (Wed) Rtn (Thu)

07 Aug 24 22 Aug 24

21 Aug 24 05 Sep 24

28 Aug 24 12 Sep 24

11 Sep 24 26 Sep 24

18 Sep 24 03 Oct 24

Out (Wed) Rtn (Thu)

04 Sep 24 19 Sep 24

Tour code: TMP

Out (Wed) Rtn (Thu)

25 Sep 24 10 Oct 24

09 Oct 24 24 Oct 24

23 Oct 24 07 Nov 24

06 Nov 24 21 Nov 24

Tour code: TML

Out (Wed) Rtn (Thu)

02 Oct 24 17 Oct 24




53


Treasures

of Peru



Solo group tour • From £3,095 (incl. flights)

This solo group tour features…


people (max 18)


Twin / double rooms for single use



upgrades available


vehicles



Welcome & farewell group dinners


fees included

Porterage at hotels

Weather

Lima


A 26 27 26 25 22 20 19 18 19 20 22 24

B 18 19 18 17 15 14 13 13 13 13 14 16

C 1 1 0 0 1 2 3 3 2 1 1 2




This introductory tour of Peru includes the

country’s most celebrated sights. Starting in

Lima, explore Peru’s ancient, colonial

and scenic wonders including Cuzco, the

Sacred Valley of the Incas, Lake Titicaca

and, of course, Machu Picchu, perhaps the

most breathtaking archaeological site in

the world.


Train ride through the Sacred Valley

to Machu Picchu

Stay overnight at Machu Picchu

Enjoy lunch in the house of a local

family on Lake Titicaca



available) to Lima and transfer to José Antonio

Hotel. Explore the colonial and modern

highlights of Lima on a half-day tour including

the Huaca Huallamarca, a pre-Columbian site;

and the historic masterpiece of San Francisco

monastery. In the evening, enjoy a welcome

dinner. (N) (B, D)


Morning flight to Cuzco, set high in the Andes

mountains. Transfer to the Sacred Valley with

its wealth of Inca sites and natural beauty.

Stay for 2 nights at the Andean Wings Valley

hotel. (B)

Lake Titicaca

Day 4: Sacred Valley

In the morning, visit the colourful Pisac market

and the Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo, an

astounding feat of construction and ingenuity.

Afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the

beautiful surroundings. (B)

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Transfer to Ollanta railway station and take

the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Enjoy

a guided tour of Machu Picchu and stay

overnight at El Mapi Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Cuzco

Morning at leisure or further explore Machu

Picchu (purchase ticket at time of booking).

Return to Cuzco by train and transfer to Los

Portales for 2 nights. This ancient Inca capital

has beautiful colonial churches and mansions

sitting alongside Inca remains. (B)

Day 7: Cuzco

Morning guided tour of Cuzco, including

the cathedral, the extraordinary Koricancha

(the Temple of the Sun), and the fortress of

Sacsayhuaman. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 8: Lake Titicaca

Travel by road to Puno on the shores of Lake

Titicaca (approx 10 hours with stops) * . Travel

past small valley towns, cultivated terraces and

high Andean peaks, with a chance to stop at

archaeological sites along the way. Transfer to

José Antonio Hotel for 2 nights. (B, L)

Day 9: Lake Titicaca

Visit the floating Uros reed islands and Taquile

Island on a full-day tour with a home-cooked

lunch prepared by a local family. In the

54


REGION

evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional

restaurant. (B, L, D)

Days 10 & 11: Fly to London via Lima

Transfer to Juliaca airport for a flight to

Lima and on to London. (B) (N)



TOUR EXTENSIONS


Solo Travellers group tours: These small

group tours have been specially created

for single travellers. Benefits include single

occupancy of double / twin rooms as standard

and at sensible prices, plus the company of

like-minded travellers. View the complete

collection at CoxandKings.co.uk/solo-travellers

Itinerary: The order of the itinerary is

designed to allow gradual adjustment to the

Plaza de Armas, Cuzco

altitude while taking in the key sights of Peru.

Currently all departures will fly to Peru via

Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

*

Optional rail journey: On Day 8 it is possible

to travel to Puno aboard the stylish Titicaca

train. The journey takes just over 10 hours and

does not include stops at archaeological sites.

A three-course lunch and afternoon tea are

served on board. The supplement to take the

train is from £145.

Peruvian Amazon + Tour


Before the tour it is possible to explore

the natural wonders of the Peruvian Amazon

in the area around Puerto Maldonado.

Stay in a jungle lodge and seek out

toucans, black caimans, giant otters and

monkeys.

Day 1: Fly to Lima


available) to Lima and overnight at the

Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Hotel. (N)

Days 2 & 3: Fly to the Amazon

Fly to Puerto Maldonado and take a boat to

the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion for 2

nights (individual bungalow). Explore the

unique rainforest ecosystem on shared

excursions provided by the lodge.

(B, L, D)

Day 4: Fly to Lima

Return to Puerto Maldonado and fly to Lima to

join the group. (B)


Group tour

From £3,095

Guide price months: Apr-mid Oct


Premium Comfort Class from £645 return






The guideline tour prices are all per person in pound sterling, based on single occupancy of a twin /




Out (Wed) Rtn (Sat)

17 Apr 24 27 Apr 24

29 May 24 08 Jun 24

17 Jul 24 27 Jul 24

Out (Wed) Rtn (Sat)

04 Sep 24 14 Sep 24

02 Oct 24 12 Oct 24

Out (Wed) Rtn (Sat)

16 Apr 25 26 Apr 25

28 May 25 07 Jun 25

16 Jul 25 26 Jul 25

Tour code: PSG

Out (Wed) Rtn (Sat)

03 Sep 25 13 Sep 25

01 Oct 25 11 Oct 25




55

LATIN AMERICA • ECUADOR & THE GALÁPAGOS

Discover Ecuador & the Galápagos

Ecuador offers wonderful variety for the

traveller, from Andean highlands with

beautiful colonial cities, snow-capped

volcanoes, historic haciendas and colourful,

authentic markets, to tropical Amazon

rainforest, cloud forests rich in flora and fauna,

and long stretches of Pacific coast frequented

by humpback whales. Less than 1,000km west

of the mainland lie the Galápagos Islands,

whose natural wonders inspired Charles

Darwin’s theory of evolution. These remote

volcanic outcrops consist of 13 major and

12 minor islands inhabited by unique animal,

plant and marine life.

Experiences

in Ecuador

Quito

Middle of the World monument, Quito

Colonial heritage • Middle of the World

The capital city of Quito lies in an Andean valley

overlooked by the towering Pichincha Volcano.

The historic old town provides an insight into

the colonial history of Ecuador, with plazas and

narrow streets filled with beautiful churches,

monasteries and restored buildings. Meet local

artisans and hat makers in their workshops

or learn about Ecuador’s finest chocolate.

North of the city, visit the Middle of the World

monument that marks the equatorial line.

Alternatively, to the east is an ecological reserve

with abundant birdlife, glacial topography and

the steaming Papallacta thermal springs.

Cotopaxi volcano, Cotopaxi National Park

Broad-billed motmot, Mindo Cloud Forest

Amazon & Cloud Forests

Amazonian communities • Exotic flora & fauna

The Ecuadorian Amazon can be explored on

a superior river cruise or from a number of

lodges, many only accessible by light aircraft or

river. A wide variety of wildlife may be spotted

in the rainforest, including monkeys, frogs,

caimans, river dolphins and many parrot and

parakeet species. Excursions include nature

walks, boat rides, visits to local communities,

clay licks and canopy walkways. The cloud

forests of Mashpi and Mindo-Nambillo, not

far from Quito, are other superb biodiversity

destinations, with one of the largest

concentrations of bird species in the world.

Avenue of the Volcanoes

Cotopaxi National Park • Local markets &

haciendas • Devil's Nose train

Fertile valleys, patchwork fields and snowcapped

peaks form a chain south of Quito

along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Highlights

include Cotopaxi National Park, home to the

world’s highest active volcano, the emeraldgreen

Quilotoa crater lake and various small

villages with colourful weekly markets. Further

south is the lively trading town of Riobamba

and the switchbacks of the Devil’s Nose train.

Otavalo market

The small town of Otavalo is a three-hour

drive north of Quito and home to one of

the largest outdoor indigenous markets in

South America. Watch local Otavaleño

people wearing distinctive blue clothing

and browse through numerous stalls with

brightly coloured hand-woven textiles and

traditional handicrafts.

Cuenca’s colonial heritage

Considered the most beautiful city in

Ecuador, Cuenca is a UNESCO World

Heritage Site. Stroll along its cobbled streets

and admire the red-roofed colonial houses,

graceful iron balconies, flower-filled plazas

and courtyards, the red-brick New Cathedral

with its distinctive blue domes and other

religious treasures.

Traditional hacienda stay

Historic haciendas dotted throughout the

countryside provide an authentic Ecuadorian

experience. We recommend the family-run

dairy farm Hacienda La Danesa, not far from

Guayaquil; the beautiful restored Hacienda

Zuleta; or the historic 17th-century La

Cienega. Walk through manicured gardens

and sample delicious traditional cuisine.

Mashpi sustainable luxury

Luxurious Mashpi is designed to blend in

with the cloud forest of its private reserve,

home to an exceptionally high variety of

flora and fauna, and provides an immersive

experience with its floor-to-ceiling windows.

Spot hummingbirds, beautiful orchids,

bromeliads and butterflies, or take an

exhilarating ride on the sky bike over the

forest canopy.

56


The Galápagos Islands

Unique & rare species • Close encounters

with wildlife • Year-round destination

A visit to these remarkable isolated islands

along the equator is regarded as one of the

world’s greatest travel experiences. The

fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos has

adapted to a unique environment of stark lava

formations, cactus forests and lush highlands

without influence from the mainland. As a

result, the animals have never learned to

fear humans, allowing for extraordinary close

observation and endless photo opportunities.

Spot endemic species such as the giant tortoise

and the marine iguana, and abundant birdlife

including blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca

boobies, greater and magnificent frigate birds,

flightless cormorants, waved albatrosses,

Galápagos penguins, and Darwin’s finches.

Marine life is varied, ranging from Galápagos

sea lions, fur seals, whales, dolphins and

sharks, to colourful Sally Lightfoot crabs and

tropical fish.

The Galápagos Islands are accessed from

mainland Ecuador via the local airports on

Baltra and San Cristóbal, and can be explored

from an expedition cruise at sea, or from a

land-based hotel or lodge.

Blue-footed booby, Galápagos Islands

Endemic

Small boats & catamarans

Accommodating up to 16 guests, the small

yachts and catamarans have a more intimate

atmosphere and are suited to those who prefer

a more interactive cruise. These superior or

luxury vessels offer comfortable cabins, some

with private balconies, a bar-lounge, spacious

sun deck, and inside and outside dining areas.

Complimentary snorkelling equipment and

kayaks are often provided.

Isabella II

Medium-sized & large cruisers

The bigger boats accommodate from 40 up to

100 passengers and offer a greater stability at

rougher seas, more spacious social areas and

the most comprehensive range of facilities

including observation lounges, a library and

reading room, a separate dining room, fitness

room and hot tubs. Service is excellent and

daily shore excursions are still provided in

small groups with expert naturalist guides.

Giant tortoise, Galápagos Islands

Galápagos by land

Four inhabited islands on the archipelago

(Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana and San

Cristóbal) offer a number of hotels and lodges

for those who prefer to avoid long durations

at sea. Experiences can be better tailored by

choosing from a range of boat excursions

or land-based activities. Scenic inter-island

flights have led to increasingly popular island

hopping, or multi-centred combinations.

Suggested itinerary

Classic Ecuador

11 days & 8 nights



Explore the highlights of mainland Ecuador

and take a cruise to see the unique wildlife

of the Galápagos Islands.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Quito via Amsterdam

Fly to Quito for a 2-night stay. Take a city

tour. (N) (B)

Day 3: Cotopaxi • Riobamba

Visit Cotopaxi National Park and continue

south to Riobamba. Stay overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Ingapirca • Cuenca

Drive to Alausi. Ride the switchback train

along the Devil’s Nose (subject to operation)

or visit a local Andean community. Continue

by road via Ingapirca to Cuenca. Stay 2 nights.

(B, L, D)

Day 5: Cuenca

Explore the quaint streets of colonial Cuenca

and nearby artisan villages. (B, L)

Day 6: Cajas • Guayaquil

Travel by road via Cajas National Park to

Guayaquil and stay overnight. (B)

Days 7-9: Fly to the Galápagos

Fly to the Galápagos Islands for a 3-night

cruise. (B, L, D)

Days 10 & 11: Fly home via Guayaquil and

Amsterdam (B) (N)

Extensions: It is possible to extend your time

in the Galápagos with a longer cruise or a

stay at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3627 3097



57

LATIN AMERICA • PERU & THE GALÁPAGOS

Peru & Galápagos

Odyssey

NEW TOUR






Maximum group size – 16 people



Flexible – extensions, cabin & flight

upgrades available


vehicles

Experienced local tour guides in

each destination


4 dinners

Welcome drink & a farewell dinner

on cruise


fees included *

Porterage at hotels

Weather

Cuzco


A 17 17 17 18 18 18 17 18 18 19 19 18

B 4 4 4 3 0 -2 -2 -1 1 3 3 4

C 153 136 120 46 8 2 4 8 23 40 68 116

Galápagos Islands


A 28 30 30 30 28 27 25 24 24 24 25 26

B 18 19 18 19 18 17 16 15 15 15 16 16

C 178 146 170 156 79 106 115 80 86 67 72 130




Traditional weaving, Sacred Valley, Peru

This journey combines the ancient Incan

treasures of Peru with Ecuador’s capital,

Quito, and a 4-night luxury cruise around the

Galápagos islands. The remarkable voyage

reveals the unique wildlife for which the

archipelago is renowned.


Drive along an ancient Incan road

to a lesser-known village in the

Sacred Valley

Get close to the wildlife of the

Galápagos from a small luxury boat

Enjoy an artisanal chocolate experience

in old Quito

No single supplement on the cruise



available) to Lima via Amsterdam with

KLM. Transfer to the Iberostar Selection

Miraflores for 2 nights. Discover colonial and

contemporary Lima, including the authentic

Surquillo market, on a half-day tour and enjoy

a pisco sour cocktail demonstration on the

panoramic rooftop terrace of your hotel. (N) (B)

Days 3 & 4: Fly to Cuzco • Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco, set in the Andes mountains, and

transfer to the Sacred Valley via Chinchero

to learn about traditional weaving. Stay for

2 nights at the Casona Yucay (or similar).

Following morning visit the Inca fortress of

Ollantaytambo, and the lesser-visited village

of Pachar with its award-winning artisanal

brewery. (B)

Day 5: Machu Picchu & Cuzco

Transfer to Ollanta railway station and board

the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Take a

guided tour of the striking ruins and a lateafternoon

train journey to Cuzco. Stay at the

Casa Andina Premium Cuzco for 2 nights. (B, L)

Day 6: Cuzco

Half-day tour of the ancient capital of the

Inca empire including the cathedral, San Blas

district and the Koricancha Temple of the

Sun. Afternoon at leisure or optional visit to

Sacsayhuaman. (B)

Days 7 & 8: Fly to Quito via Lima

Fly to Lima and onto Quito, Ecuador’s capital

city. Transfer to the Hilton Colon for 2 nights.

Morning tour of the historic centre including

the impressive San Francisco church, the

Middle of the World equatorial line monument,

and Chez Tiff Chocolatie, where you learn

about Ecuadorian chocolate making. (B)

Days 9-12: Fly to the Galápagos

Fly to the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador and

board The Tribute for a 4-night cruise around

this archipelago. Take shared shore excursions

with a naturalist guide to see the variety of

landscapes and wildlife. Enjoy close encounters

with some of the rarest animals and birds,

including land iguanas, giant tortoises,

frigatebirds, Darwin’s finches, boobies and

Galápagos penguins. (B, L, D)

Day 13 & 14: Fly to UK via Guayaquil &

Amsterdam

Disembark your cruise vessel. Fly to Guayaquil

to connect with an overnight flight to the UK

via Amsterdam, arriving the next day. (B) (N)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Finch Bay Eco Hotel


Extend your stay in the Galápagos with 2 nights

at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel on Santa Cruz island.

The hotel offers land-based excursions or trips

to nearby wildlife sites aboard their own boat.

Tour + Amazon


Discover the extraordinary contrast in

Ecuador’s ecosystems with a visit to the

Amazon rainforest. Stay 3 nights at the

Napo Wildlife Centre or La Selva Lodge and

explore the jungle on morning and afternoon

excursions. A night in Quito is also required.

58


Marine iguanas, Galápagos

Tribute

The Tribute is the newest addition to the

fleet of small Galápagos boats and offers

an immersive and luxurious way to explore

these wildlife-rich islands. The sophisticated

and stylish design is complemented by a

first-class service, expert guiding and fine

dining. A maximum of 16 passengers can

be accommodated in elegant staterooms

with premium amenities and an exterior

porthole or a picture window. Spacious

indoor and outdoor social areas afford

guests breathtaking views of the ocean

and islands. Unwind in the inviting lounge

and indoor dining room or relax on the

sundeck complete with loungers, hot tub

and a shaded area. The yacht offers a swim

platform, snorkelling equipment and kayaks.

Tour + Hacienda Danesa


At the end of your trip enjoy the beautiful

grounds of a historic dairy and cacao hacienda

on the tropical coast, a 1.5-hour drive

from Guayaquil. Relax or take part in local

experiences on the family-owned estate.


Group tour




Guide price month: Apr-Oct


Private tour




Guide price month: Apr-Oct


Tour code: CON


Locally escorted tour: This tour is led in each

destination by a local tour guide.

*

Galápagos park fees: Galápagos National

Park fee is not included.

Galápagos cruise cabin upgrades: On each

departure, it is possible to upgrade to the

Owner’s Suite from £2,295 per person.







Premium Comfort Class prices on request










Out (Sat) Rtn (Fri)

06 Apr 24 19 Apr 24

04 May 24 17 May 24

01 Jun 24 14 Jun 24

27 Jul 24 09 Aug 24

Out (Sat) Rtn (Fri)

07 Sep 24 20 Sep 24

05 Oct 24 18 Oct 24

02 Nov 24 15 Nov 24

Out (Sat) Rtn (Fri)

22 Mar 25 04 Apr 25

03 May 25 16 May 25

31 May 25 13 Jun 25

26 Jul 25 08 Aug 25

Out (Sat) Rtn (Fri)

06 Sep 25 19 Sep 25

04 Oct 25 17 Oct 25

01 Nov 25 14 Nov 25




59

LATIN AMERICA • CHILE

Discover Chile

Set between the majestic Andes and the

rugged Pacific coast, Chile stretches from

the desolate Atacama Desert in the north

to the granite peaks, glacier fields and

untamed wilderness of Patagonia in the

south. In between these striking extremes,

the country offers snow-capped volcanoes,

crystal-clear lakes, winding fjords, ancient

forests and verdant valleys dotted with

vineyards. As well as this pristine and

spectacular scenery, visitors can encounter

indigenous communities, bustling city

culture in Santiago and Valparaíso, friendly

hosts and delicious fresh seafood. The

remote and volcanic Easter Island in the

middle of the Pacific Ocean bears witness to

a unique and mysterious Rapa Nui legacy.

Santiago & surrounds

Eclectic culture • Colourful Valparaíso •

World-renowned wines

IMAGE

The cosmopolitan capital of Chile is a buzzing

metropolis set against the spectacular

backdrop of the snow-capped Andes.

Santiago’s historical attractions, including

the elaborately decorated cathedral and

the outstanding Museum of Pre-Columbian

Art, are complemented by leafy parks and

lanes, bustling street cafés and increasingly

sophisticated restaurants that all add to the

city’s vibrancy and charm.

The Atacama Desert

Altiplanic lagoons, salt lakes & geysers •

Adobe villages

Sky Costanera tower, Santiago

The fertile valleys around Santiago are home

to celebrated wineries, country traditions and

exclusive winery estates. The bohemian former

port of Valparaíso is within easy reach along

the coast. Colourful houses and the cabledrawn

funicular elevators, running along its

steep hills, are reminders of its glorious past.

The Atacama Desert, one of the driest

places on Earth, has truly one of the most

extraordinary landscapes. The small village of

San Pedro de Atacama is the base for exploring

the area. At daybreak, watch El Tatio geysers

spout steam and boiling water high into the

air, feel the salt crack under your feet at the

world’s third-largest salt flat and see pink

flamingos mirrored in intensely blue lagoons.

Purple-shaded volcanoes, ancient petroglyphs

carved in stone, adobe villages, thermal

springs, magnificent sunsets over desolate

sand dunes and clear desert nights all add to

the appeal of this astonishing destination.

Atacama Desert

60


Experiences

in Chile

Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine

Chilean Lake District

Osorno Volcano

Boat ride on Lake Grey, Patagonia

Take a boat ride on Lake Grey and navigate

past floating icebergs to the face of the

monumental Grey Glacier, the largest

in the Torres del Paine National Park.

Reaching over 30 metres in height and

extending as far as the eye can see,

its sheer size is best admired by cruising

in front of the cracked and fissured blue

wall. Witness icy pinnacles calving off and

floating away across the milky waters of

the lake.

Granite peaks & stunning glaciers • Patagonia

wildlife • Nature walks & hikes

Stretching across southern Chile and

Argentina, Patagonia is a land of rugged and

untamed wilderness. The remote Torres del

Paine National Park, a five-hour drive through

the vast steppe from the southerly city of

Punta Arenas, possesses the characteristic

unspoilt landscape of this windswept region.

The soaring granite towers and ‘cuernos’ peaks

of the park are surrounded by shimmering

lagoons and glaciers, dense forests and

tumbling waterfalls. This strikingly beautiful

area is home to a wealth of wildlife including

guanacos, flightless rheas, condors and

flamingos, and can be explored by boat,

vehicle or on foot. Hiking opportunities range

from easy nature walks to more arduous hikes.

Moai statues, Easter Island

Snow-capped volcanoes, lakes & forests •

Mapuche culture

Snow-capped volcanoes, rivers and deep blue

lakes dominate the scenery of the Chilean

Lake District. The southern region can be best

explored from Puerto Varas, set on a lake with

stunning views of the cones of the Osorno and

Calbuco volcanoes. This charming Germaninfluenced

town is a starting point for one of

the most spectacular Andean lake crossings

into Argentina, as well as day trips to nearby

national parks. Not far off the coast and

reached by ferry, the distinctive island of Chiloé

is known for its colourful stilt-houses and 16thcentury

wooden churches. The northern Lake

District around Pucón is covered in araucaria

and lenga forests and is home to indigenous

Mapuche people.

Easter Island

Giant stone statues • Polynesian culture

Offcially part of Chile, the mysterious and

remote Easter Island lies in the middle of

the South Pacific, a five-hour flight from

the mainland. This small volcanic rock is an

extraordinary open-air museum of hundreds

of moai (gigantic stone statues). Guided tours

to ceremonial platforms and the quarry can be

arranged, while the small village of Hanga Roa

is easily explored on your own. We recommend

stays of three or four nights due to the remote

location and wealth of sites to visit.

Stargazing in northern Chile

Famed for its reliable weather and

clear, unpolluted night skies, the dry

Atacama Desert is a leading destination

for astronomers and enthusiasts alike.

Stargaze with expert guides for a glimpse

of our planetary neighbours, the brightest

stars in the Milky Way, and the glow of

distant galaxies.

Scenic self-drive trips

Self-drives in Chile offer flexibility and

freedom to explore at your own pace.

Discover highland lagoons and adobe

villages along roads with little traffc in

the north, or follow scenic lake shores

and towering mountains in the south.

The largely unpaved Carretera Austral

in Patagonia offers one of the most

challenging and rewarding self-drive

journeys on the continent.

Winelands experience

Set between the snow-capped Andes

and the coast, Chile’s wine country is

home to renowned vineyards. Exclusive

winery estates, some among the oldest in

the country, offer relaxing stays in their

colonial haciendas or boutique lodges.

Visit on a day trip and sample some of

the region’s finest wines, or stay for two

nights to best appreciate the beautiful and

peaceful surroundings.

Suggested itinerary

Essence of Chile

14 days & 11 nights


*

Luxury from £7,895 (incl. flights)

Starting and ending in the cosmopolitan

city of Santiago, this tour explores Chile’s

extraordinary landscapes from the driest

desert on Earth to the wilds of Patagonia,

with time to relax at a winery estate.

Days 1-3: Fly to Santiago

Fly direct to Santiago for 2 nights at the

Pullman Santiago El Bosque / Casa Bueras *

with time to explore the city. (B)

Days 4-6: Fly to Calama • Atacama

Fly to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de

Atacama for 3 nights at the Poblado Kimal

/ Tierra Atacama * . Tour the stark desert

including the Atacama salt lake. (B)

Days 7 & 8: Fly to Santiago • Winelands

Fly to Santiago and transfer to the Maipo or

Casablanca Valley for 2 nights at the historic

Casa Real or the colonial La Casona Matetic * .

Sample fine wines and unwind in tranquil

surroundings. (B)

Day 9: Fly to Punta Arenas • Puerto Natales

Fly to Punta Arenas via Santiago and transfer

to Puerto Natales. Overnight at Hotel

Costaustralis. Luxury itinerary travels

directly to Torres del Paine * . (B)

Days 10 & 11: Torres del Paine

Travel to Torres del Paine and stay for 2

nights at Lago Grey / 3 nights at Tierra

Patagonia * . Discover the dramatic scenery

of this outstanding national park with its

emerald lakes and granite peaks. (B)


Drive to Punta Arenas and fly to Santiago for

a final night before flying home. (B) (N)

Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3627 3097



61

LATIN AMERICA • CHILE

Splendours

of Chile







people (max 20)



British Airways

Internal flights


upgrades available


vehicles


12 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 1 dinner


fees included

Porterage at hotels

Christmas departure

Weather

San Pedro de Atacama


A 21 20 20 19 17 16 16 17 18 20 21 21

B 10 10 9 6 3 1 0 2 4 6 8 9

C 38 27 18 5 1 1 1 1 4 3 8 17

Punta Arenas


A 15 14 12 9 6 4 4 5 7 10 12 14

B 6 6 5 3 1 0 -1 0 1 3 4 6

C 38 32 44 45 45 36 35 36 30 26 31 35




Guanaco, Torres del Paine

Chile is an extraordinarily beautiful country,

encompassing just about every type of

landscape on Earth, from the arid desert

of the north, through verdant lakes and

pastures to the soaring peaks and glaciers

of Patagonia. This expansive tour explores

Chile’s spectacular desert, mountain scenery

and Patagonian wilderness, and allows time to

discover some fascinating Chilean traditions.


Watch the sun set over the Atacama

Desert

Take a private boat trip on Lake Todos

los Santos

Stay inside the park at Torres del Paine

Farewell lunch at a traditional

Patagonian ranch

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Santiago

Overnight flight from London (regional

connections available) to Santiago with

British Airways. Morning arrival and transfer

to the Pullman Santiago El Bosque for 2 nights

and a welcome dinner. (N) (D)

Day 3: Santiago

Morning tour of Santiago, including the

cathedral, the historic main square, and Sky

Costanera – the tallest building in South

America – for views across the city and the

Andes beyond. Afternoon drive into the

countryside to the Undurraga vineyard for

a tour and wine tasting. (B)

Day 4: Fly to Calama • San Pedro de Atacama

Early morning flight to Calama and transfer

to San Pedro de Atacama for 3 nights at Our

Habitas Atacama / Poblado Kimal. Afternoon

excursion to the Valley of the Moon to see the

mesmerising change of colours at sunset. (B)

Days 5 & 6: Atacama Desert

Full-day journey into the spectacular desert

landscape. Visit the Atacama salt flats, where

pink flamingos may be seen, and stop at the

small village of Toconao, with its white volcanic

stone buildings. Continue to a traditional farm

for lunch and visit Tebinquinche lagoon. Day

6 is at leisure or take an optional excursion to

El Tatio geysers, the hot springs or the 17thcentury

fortress of Pukará de Quitor. (B) (B, L)

Days 7 & 8: Fly to Lake District via Santiago

Fly to Puerto Montt via Santiago and transfer

to the town of Puerto Varas for 2 nights at

Cabaña del Lago Hotel, set on the lake. In the

morning visit Petrohué Falls and take a boat

trip on Lake Todos los Santos. Afternoon drive

up the lower reaches of the Osorno Volcano

for views of the surrounding mountains. (B)


Fly to Punta Arenas and continue to Puerto

Natales, set amid jagged peaks and the glassy

waters of Last Hope Sound. Stay overnight at

the Hotel Costaustralis (fjord-view room). (B)

Day 10: Torres del Paine

Drive across the wilds of Patagonia to Torres

del Paine National Park. Full-day tour taking in

the dramatic scenery of granite peaks, emerald

lakes, waterfalls and ancient lenga forests.

There is also the opportunity to meet the local

rangers and learn about their work in the park.

Stay at Hotel Lago Grey for 2 nights (upgrade

to a superior room with views of the glacier

from £60 per person). (B, L)


Morning shared boat excursion on Lake Grey

for an up-close view of its striking bright-blue

glacier. Afternoon at leisure or optional tours.

(B)

Day 12: Punta Arenas

Drive to Punta Arenas, visiting a traditional

Patagonian estancia en route. Discover how

people live in this remote region and enjoy

a farewell lunch of typical quincho barbecue.

Afternoon short tour of Punta Arenas, situated

on the Magellan Strait, and overnight at

Hotel Almasur or Cabo de Hornos. (B, L)

62


Atacama Desert

Day 13: Fly to Santiago

Fly to Santiago for a final night at the Pullman

Santiago El Bosque. (B)

Tour + Winelands or Valparaiso


scenery and wildlife of the southernmost part

of the world, including Cape Horn.

Days 14 & 15: Fly to London

Morning at leisure before your overnight flight

to London with British Airways, arriving the

next day. (B) (N)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Easter Island


A visit to Easter Island is an extraordinary

experience. 600 or so moai statues scatter

the island, dramatically set against the dark

waters of the Pacific Ocean, a reminder of the

civilisation that once thrived and faded on

these shores.

Days 14-16: Fly to Easter Island

Fly to Easter Island and stay 3 nights at the

Taha Tai Hotel or similar, overlooking the

ocean. Your stay includes a day and a half

of excursions to various moai platforms, the

quarry at Rano Raraku and Anakena beach,

the site of the island’s first settlement, Rano

Kao Volcano and the ceremonial village of

Orongo. (B)


Fly to Santiago and overnight at the Pullman

Santiago El Bosque. (B)

Days 18 & 19: Fly to London with

British Airways. (B) (N)

National park fee: Easter Island National Park

fee is not included and is payable locally.

At the end of your tour, stay and unwind at one

of the winery hotels not far from Santiago or in

the old port of Valparaiso.

Australis cruise extension: It is also possible

to travel aboard the Stella / Ventus Australis

across great seas to Ushuaia in Argentina

and explore the sparkling glaciers, dramatic


Group tour


Guide price months: Jan-Feb, Oct-Dec



World Traveller Plus from £595

Club World from £2,845








Private tour


Guide price month: Apr


Guide price months: Jan-Mar, Oct-Nov



Prices on request: British Airways to/from

Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow,

Manchester or Newcastle





Out (Sat) Rtn (Sat)

27 Jan 24 10 Feb 24

10 Feb 24 24 Feb 24

19 Oct 24 02 Nov 24

02 Nov 24 16 Nov 24

Out (Sat) Rtn (Sat)

16 Nov 24 30 Nov 24

15 Dec 24 29 Dec 24

Out (Sat) Rtn (Sat)

25 Jan 25 08 Feb 25

08 Feb 25 22 Feb 25

22 Feb 25 08 Mar 25

08 Mar 25 22 Mar 25

Tour code: SOC

Out (Sat) Rtn (Sat)

18 Oct 25 01 Nov 25

01 Nov 25 15 Nov 25

15 Nov 25 29 Nov 25

13 Dec 25 27 Dec 25




63

LATIN AMERICA • ARGENTINA

Discover Argentina

Argentina is a country of tremendous

natural beauty, from tropical rainforests

and thundering waterfalls, to the great

wilderness of Patagonia where immense

glaciers seemingly stretch to the end of the

world. Its vast territory encompasses high

desert plateau, multicoloured canyons,

pristine lakes, grassy plains and snowcapped

mountain ranges. Southern right

whales, sea lions and Magellanic penguins

abound at Peninsula Valdés, and the

pristine Iberá wetlands of the north-east

are a birdwatcher’s paradise. Discover

Jesuit and pre-Inca ruins, colonial towns,

traditional cattle ranches, and stylish cities.

Argentina’s passionate people and superb

food and wine add to the appeal of this

alluring country.

Buenos Aires

Grand avenues & opulent architecture •

Bustling cultural life & history

Iguazú Falls

IMAGE

Casa Rosada, Buenos Aires

This sophisticated and energetic capital

combines European heritage with Latin

charms and is one of the world’s most

captivating cities. Marvel at the grand Colon

Theatre and the government’s pink palace,

the Casa Rosada. Visit the exclusive Recoleta

neighbourhood to see its opulent belle

époque architecture and cemetery, where

Eva Peron is buried, and stroll among the

colourful houses of La Boca. Add a visit to the

unrivalled collection of the Latin American

Art Museum or the intriguing underground

tunnels of El Zanjón. Stays of three nights

are recommended, to allow time to wander

around the wide boulevards and catch the city

at its best.

Thunderous Devil’s Throat • Speedboat to the

foot of the falls

The Iguazú Falls, one of the world’s most

spectacular natural wonders, are located

on the border of Argentina and Brazil. The

plunging waters of the Iguazú River burst

into 275 separate cataracts through the lush

vegetation. The majority of the falls lie on the

Argentinian side, where several walkways

allow visitors to approach the thundering

waters from above and below. An eco-train

provides easy access to the Devil’s Throat, the

highest and most spectacular of the falls. The

panoramic views from the Brazilian side reveal

the full scale of this extraordinary sight and

exhilarating boat trips on the river below get

even closer to the base of the cataracts.

Iguazú Falls

64


Experiences in

Argentina

Patagonia

Perito Moreno Glacier

Great wilderness • Awe-inspiring glaciers

Patagonia encompasses endless wild and

windswept expanses, towering mountains and

giant glaciers that sweep down to turquoise

lakes. Guanacos, condors and rheas can be

spotted in the barren landscape of this vast

region that stretches to Tierra del Fuego at the

foot of the continent. Rich marine life abounds

at Peninsula Valdés on the Atlantic coast. Near

El Calafate, the immense Perito Moreno Glacier

is an awe-inspiring spectacle of ever-changing

shades and thunderous breaking ice, while the

striking granite massif of El Chaltén provides

excellent hiking opportunities.

Quebrada de las Conchas, Salta region

The Lake District

Lake District, Bariloche

Forest-clad mountains & lakes • Boat trips

The Lake District is a beautiful region of pristine

forests, deep-blue lakes, rivers and snowcapped

mountains. Relaxing stays to enjoy the

fresh air and stunning scenery can be combined

with a wide range of outdoor activities such as

kayaking, gentle walks or hikes. The alpine-style

lakeside town of Bariloche is the main centre

for exploring the parks and a starting point for

scenic boat trips deep through the lakes all the

way to Chile. To the north, there is a scenic route

through seven different lakes to San Martin de

los Andes, and in the south, the famous Ruta 40

stretches all the way to Patagonia.

Salta & the North-West

Picturesque colonial towns • Striking scenery

Once part of the Inca empire, Argentina’s

North-West is a region of striking natural

scenery and deep-rooted traditions. The high

altiplano, or puna, gives way to arid foothills

dotted with giant cacti, rugged colourful

canyons and shimmering white salt flats. The

city of Salta has beautifully preserved colonial

architecture, while traditional adobe villages

such as Purmamarca, Cachi and Molinos

have changed little since colonial times.

Further south Cafayate, home to high altitude

vineyards, can be reached via a scenic drive

past impressive rock formations.

Andean lakes crossing

This scenic full-day trip, one of the most

spectacular in South America, starts on the

shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi in Bariloche,

traverses the Andes via a series of boat and

road journeys and ends in Puerto Varas in

Chile, or vice versa. Cross shimmering lakes,

wind along mountain roads and catch a view

of Osorno Volcano’s perfect cone.

Mendoza wine country escapes

The highly regarded bodegas around

Mendoza are home to small boutique hotels

and luxurious estates that offer sublime

winelands escapes. Discover premium wines

at on-site tastings, sample delicious gourmet

cuisine, unwind by the pool or indulge in

signature wine therapies. Alternatively, soak

up the full panorama of the vineyards and

the Andes beyond while exploring on foot

or by bicycle.

Visit an estancia

Ranging from working cattle ranches

to elegant country estates, Argentina’s

traditional estancias are dotted throughout

the country. Day trips can be arranged to

enjoy a delicious Argentinian barbecue

or see legendary gauchos (local cowboys)

display their fabled skills, while longer

stays offer opportunities to relax and get

a first-hand insight into local culture and

traditions.

Wildlife viewing at Iberá wetlands

The second-largest wetlands in South

America are home to abundant and varied

wildlife including capybaras, caimans,

otters, marsh deer, howler monkeys, giant

anteaters, anaconda and more than 350

bird species. Explore pristine lakes, streams

and floating islands from remote ecoranches

such as Rincon del Socorro or the

luxurious Puerto Valle hotel.

Suggested itinerary

Classic Argentina

14 days & 11 nights


*

Boutique from £3,895 (incl. flights)

This journey combines some of the most

fascinating parts of the country, travelling

from the sub-tropical north to the wild

landscapes of the south.

Days 1-4: Fly to Buenos Aires

Fly to Buenos Aires and stay for 3 nights at

the Intersur Recoleta or the characterful

Legado Mitico * . Take in the city's many sights

and an optional ferry ride across the River

Plate to Colonia in Uruguay. (B)

Days 5 & 6: Fly to Iguazú Falls

Morning flight to Iguazú. Discover the falls

and the surrounding jungle. Stay 2 nights at

Mercure Iguazú or Puerto Bemberg / Awasi

Iguazú * . (B)

Days 7 & 8: Fly to El Calafate via

Buenos Aires

Fly to El Calafate and transfer to Kosten Aike

/ Esplendor Hotel * for 2 nights and take a

cruise in front of the awe-inspiring Perito

Moreno Glacier. (B)

Days 9-11: Fly to Mendoza

Fly to Mendoza, spectacularly set at the

foothills of the Andes, and stay in a city hotel

or an exclusive wine estate * . Take a tour of

renowned bodegas (local wineries) or relax in

beautiful surroundings. (B)

Days 12-14: Fly home

Return to Buenos Aires for a final night.

Fly home with British Airways, arriving the

following day. (B) (N)

Alternatively, on Day 9 fly to Bariloche and

spend the last 3 nights relaxing amid lakes

and mountains.

Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3627 3097



65

LATIN AMERICA • ARGENTINA & CHILE

Patagonia:

Untouched Wilderness







people (max 18)



British Airways

Internal flights


upgrades available


vehicles


13 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner

Welcome dinner & a farewell drink


fees included

Porterage at hotels

Christmas departure

Weather

Ushuaia


A 12 12 11 8 5 3 3 4 7 9 10 12

B 4 4 2 1 -1 -3 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3

C 44 49 56 54 49 49 38 44 40 36 38 45




Patagonia is one of the world’s great

wilderness areas and its culture is

intertwined with that of the European

pioneers and gauchos (traditional horsemen).

This fascinating journey through four

national parks in Argentina and Chile reveals

the distinct cultures and landscapes of this

remote part of the world.


Scenic Andean lake crossing

Tour stunning Perito Moreno Glacier

Stay within the park at Torres del Paine

Cruise along the Beagle Channel

Day 1: Fly to Buenos Aires

Fly from London (regional connections available)

to Buenos Aires with British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Morning arrival. Transfer to the Alvear Art

Hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon at leisure to

explore the streets of Buenos Aires on foot

before your welcome dinner at a nearby

restaurant. (D)

Day 3: Buenos Aires

Morning tour of Buenos Aires, discovering

its blend of European cultures and grand

architecture. (B)

Day 4: Fly to Bariloche

Fly to Bariloche on the shores of Lake Nahuel

Huapi. Transfer to Hotel NH Edelweiss for 2

nights. (B)

Beagle Channel, Ushuaia

Day 5: Bariloche

Half-day tour of Bariloche’s scenic

surroundings, including Moreno Lake,

Angostura River and Campanario Hill. (B)

Day 6: Puerto Varas

Full-day shared journey by coach and boat

across the Lake District to Chile. Travel across

lakes and mountains, past waterfalls and

forests, to the lakeside town of Puerto Varas,

with views of the Osorno Volcano on clear

days. Transfer to the Cabaña del Lago Hotel

for 1 night. (B)


Fly to Punta Arenas and transfer to Puerto

Natales. Stay overnight at the Hotel

Costaustralis, overlooking the waters of

Last Hope Sound. (B)


Full-day tour of Torres del Paine National Park.

This remote area encompasses mountains,

glaciers and lakes, and is a habitat for

guanacos, condors and native flightless rheas.

Visit Lake Nordenskjöld, Lake Pehoe and Lake

Grey and stay 2 nights at the Hotel Lago Grey

(upgrade to a superior room with glacier view

from £60 per person). (B, L)


Morning walk in the national park to see Salto

Grande waterfall and another spectacular

view of the Paine massif’s famous “horns”.

Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 10: El Calafate

Drive across the border to El Calafate in

Argentina. Stay 2 nights at Hotel Kosten Aike.

(B)

Day 11: Perito Moreno

Full-day tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier. At

66


REGION

5km wide, it is a magnificent sight. See the

glacier from the observation platforms and

take a cruise on the lake in front of the ice wall.

(B)

Day 12: Fly to Ushuaia

Fly to Ushuaia, the world’s most southerly

city. Stay for 2 nights at the Hotel Los Acebos

with its panoramic views over the bay. (B)

Day 13: Beagle Channel • Tierra del Fuego

Morning cruise on the Beagle Channel.

Afternoon visit to Tierra del Fuego National

Park and a farewell drink at your hotel. (B)


Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to the Alvear

Art Hotel for 1 night. Optional evening dinner

and tango show at La Ventana. (B)


Transfer to the airport and fly to London with

British Airways, arriving the next day. (B) (N)



transferring to the Gran Meliá Iguazú for a

stay of 2 nights inside the park. Upgrade to a

falls-view room from £145 per person. (B)

Day 16: Iguazú

Day at leisure to explore the spectacular

falls from your hotel for a different perspective.

(B)

Days 17 & 18: Fly to London via Rio

Transfer to the airport and fly to Sao Paulo to

connect with a British Airways flight to London,

arriving the following day. (B) (N)


Group tour


Guide price month: Oct


Guide price months: Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec




Club World prices on request

Perito Moreno Glacier


The flight to Buenos Aires is currently via

Rio de Janeiro.







Private tour




Guide price months: Jan-Mar, Oct to Nov


Tour code: PAT





TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Iguazú


Extend your holiday with a visit to the

magnificent Iguazú Falls, situated on the

border of Argentina and Brazil. Explore the

countless cataracts on both the Argentinian

and Brazilian sides.

Day 15: Fly to Iguazú / Iguaçu

Transfer to the airport and fly to Iguazú. Halfday

tour of the Brazilian side of the falls before





Out (Sat) Rtn (Sun)

03 Feb 24 18 Feb 24

02 Mar 24 17 Mar 24

26 Oct 24 10 Nov 24

09 Nov 24 24 Nov 24

Out (Sat) Rtn (Sun)

21 Dec 24 05 Jan 25

18 Jan 25 02 Feb 25

01 Feb 25 16 Feb 25

15 Feb 25 02 Mar 25

Out (Sat) Rtn (Sun)

01 Mar 25 16 Mar 25

25 Oct 25 09 Nov 25

08 Nov 25 23 Nov 25

29 Nov 25 14 Dec 25

Out (Sat) Rtn (Sun)

20 Dec 25 04 Jan 26




67

LATIN AMERICA • ARGENTINA & BRAZIL

Wonders of

the New World







people (max 20)



British Airways

Internal flights


upgrades available


vehicles


each destination

8 breakfasts & 1 dinner



fees included

Porterage at hotels

Weather

Buenos Aires


A 29 28 26 22 19 15 15 17 19 22 25 28

B 20 19 17 14 10 8 7 8 10 13 15 18

C 107 102 121 96 76 62 62 67 69 111 101 92




La Boca district of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Offering an outstanding introduction to

Argentina and Brazil, this journey combines

the elegance of Buenos Aires with exotic

and flamboyant Rio de Janeiro. The tour

also visits the awe-inspiring waterfalls of

Iguazú – shrouded in their own mist, they

thunder amid tropical jungle and stretch for

kilometres along the border.


Stay inside Iguazú National Park and

see the falls at dawn or sunset

Visit the colourful Caminito alley and

the Recoleta Cemetery

Take in spectacular views and the

carioca atmosphere from your luxury

hotel in Rio de Janeiro


Evening flight from London (regional

connections available) to Buenos Aires with

British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Morning arrival. Transfer to the Alvear Art

Hotel for 3 nights and enjoy a welcome dinner

that evening. (D)

Day 3: Buenos Aires

Half-day tour of Buenos Aires, including the

Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Peron is buried,

and La Boca district, birthplace of the tango. (B)

Day 4: Buenos Aires

At leisure or optional full-day trip to an estancia

ranch in the Pampas countryside. (B)

Days 5 & 6: Fly to Iguazú / Iguaçu

Fly to the Iguazú Falls and stay for 2 nights

at the Gran Meliá Iguazú, with a privileged

location inside the national park (upgrade to a

falls-view room from £145). Tour the Brazilian

side of these magnificent cataracts with time

at leisure to explore the Argentinian side,

including the Devil's Throat, at your own pace.

Experience the falls at dawn or sunset, when

the park is closed to other visitors. (B)

Day 7: Fly to Rio de Janeiro

Fly to Rio and transfer to the Fairmont Rio de

Janeiro Copacabana (deluxe city/partial ocean

view room) for 3 nights † . Upgrade to a deluxe

ocean front room from £125. (B)

Day 8: Rio de Janeiro

Morning visit to Corcovado Mountain and

the statue of Christ the Redeemer. In the

afternoon, visit Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable

car and enjoy a farewell drink at the end of

your tour. (B)


Day at leisure. Optional excursions include

the Tijuca rainforest, a visit to the botanical

gardens or a Brazilian food tour. (B)


At leisure (use of a day room at your hotel

from £95 per person). Evening transfer to the

airport for the flight to London with British

Airways. (B) (N)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Búzios beach


Stay 4 nights at Vila da Santa/Casas Brancas in

the beach resort of Búzios (approx. 2.5 hours

from Rio de Janeiro) and enjoy its numerous

sandy beaches, clear waters, chic shops and

restaurants.

Patagonia + tour


Visit one of the most striking highlights of

Patagonia on a glacier experience and discover

the desolate beauty of this remote region. Fly

to Buenos Aires for 1 night and then join the

Splendours of South America group at El Calafate

(see pages 74-75).

68


REGION

Corcovado & Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro

Santiago & Mendoza + tour


Combine a visit to cosmopolitan Santiago

with Argentina’s wine capital of Mendoza,

an attractive city of parks and avenues.

Both cities sit at the foot of the Andes.


Fly overnight to Santiago with British Airways

and stay for 2 nights at the Pullman Santiago

El Bosque. Half-day tour of the city, including

the historic centre. Optional visit to a local

winery or bohemian Valparaíso. (B)

Days 4 & 5: Mendoza

Fly to Mendoza and stay at the Mendoza

Park Hyatt for 2 nights. Take a morning city

tour and visit the surrounding wineries in the

afternoon. (B)


Fly to Buenos Aires and join the group. (B)

†

Rio de Janeiro: The 1 Feb 2024 and 27 Feb

2025 departures includes 3 days/2 nights in Rio

de Janeiro due to Carnival/Champion’s Parade.

If you would like to extend your stay to include

the parade, please enquire about prices.


Group tour


Guide price month: Early Dec


Guide price months: Jan-Apr, Sep-Nov











Private tour




Guide price months: Jan-Mar, Oct - Nov


Tour code: WNW










destination en route by a local tour guide.


Itinerary combinations: To combine this tour

with Santiago and Chilean Patagonia, please

see our Splendours of South America tour on

pages 74-75.

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

†

01 Feb 24 10 Feb 24

15 Feb 24 25 Feb 24

29 Feb 24 10 Mar 24

14 Mar 24 24 Mar 24

25 Apr 24 05 May 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

19 Sep 24 29 Sep 24

24 Oct 24 03 Nov 24

07 Nov 24 17 Nov 24

21 Nov 24 01 Dec 24

05 Dec 24 15 Dec 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

30 Jan 25 09 Feb 25

13 Feb 25 23 Feb 25

†

27 Feb 25 08 Mar 25

13 Mar 25 23 Mar 25

24 Apr 25 04 May 25

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

18 Sep 25 28 Sep 25

23 Oct 25 02 Nov 25

06 Nov 25 16 Nov 25

20 Nov 25 30 Nov 25

04 Dec 25 14 Dec 25

The flight to Buenos Aires is currently via

Rio de Janeiro.




69

LATIN AMERICA • BRAZIL

Discover Brazil

The largest country in South America, Brazil

is an amazing blend of landscapes and

cultures. Its natural wonders range from

the mighty Amazon River and the world’s

largest rainforest to wild waterfalls, flattopped

mountains, expansive grasslands,

immense dunes, unspoilt tropical beaches

and an astonishing variety of flora and

fauna. A number of historic towns have

well-preserved colonial houses and baroque

churches, while the capital, Brasilia, is a

striking feat of urban design. Brazil is full

of vivid colours, exotic rhythms and an

incredible diversity of people, all unified by

a vigorous and contagious lust for life.

Experiences

in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro

Spectacular city backdrop • World-renowned

beaches • Unrivalled Carnival

Vibrant Rio de Janeiro is home to famed

beaches, tempting bays, tropical forest, samba,

football, unrivalled carnival parades and lively

cariocas (Rio’s residents). The landmarks of

Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain provide

panoramic views over the city’s magical

backdrop. In the old centre, historic alleys and

colonial buildings coexist with neoclassical

and modern architecture, revealing intriguing

stories from Rio’s past. The sweeping beaches

of Ipanema, Leblon and Copacabana are

perfect for relaxing.

Pink river dolphin, Amazon

The Pantanal

The Amazon

Jaguars, Pantanal

Premier wildlife destination • Birdwatching &

jaguar spotting

A visit to the world’s largest wetland is an

unforgettable experience. The Pantanal is a

mosaic of lakes, rivers, savannas, seasonal

streams and forests supporting a great biological

diversity. Lazing capybaras, sun basking caimans,

iguanas, tapirs, giant anteaters, whooping howler

monkeys and over 650 bird species are all easier

to spot here due to the lack of dense vegetation.

There is a chance for a privileged view of the

elusive jaguar too. Stays in comfortable lodges

can be arranged, accessed via Campo Grande in

the south or Cuiabá in the north.

Rainforest sounds & sights • Jungle lodges &

river cruises

The world’s largest tropical rainforest covers

almost half of Brazil. Mighty yellow-brown

waters cut through thick jungle, home to a

spectacular biodiversity of flora and fauna. The

majority of wildlife is hidden in the canopy, but

common sightings include caimans, monkeys,

toucans and pink river dolphins. Explore from a

jungle lodge or on a river cruise from Manaus.

Helicopter ride over Iguaçu

A thrilling 10-minute overflight provides a

bird's-eye view of the entire park and the

magnificent tumbling waterfalls that make

up Iguaçu. Enjoy panoramic vistas of one

of the world’s greatest natural wonders,

the surrounding forest stretching for miles

and the immense river that meanders

through it.

Bahian folklore show, Salvador

This cultural performance in Pelourinho,

the historic district of Salvador, promises

insights into Afro-Brazilian religion, music

and dance. The explosive drumming,

exhilarating swirling samba, sacred dances

and dramatic capoeira (martial art-dance)

often bring audiences to their feet.

Brazil beach stays

Brazil’s vast coastline of more than

7,000km offers thousands of sparkling

beaches and islands. These range from the

golden sands of the Buzios peninsula, not

far from Rio, to the endless palm-fringed

stretches of Bahia and the tropical north.

Unwind at a sophisticated beach resort or

an idyllic hideaway retreat.

Remote north-east explorations

Located just below the equator, Brazil’s far

north-east provides superb off-the-beatentrack

experiences. Explore little-known

secrets on a 4x4 journey and discover lush

tropical deltas with untouched wildlife,

unspoilt fishing villages, and the Lençóis

Maranhenses with its sweeping white

dunes and turquoise freshwater lagoons.

70


COLOMBIA • LATIN AMERICA

Discover Colombia

This beguiling country, largely untouched

by mass tourism, stretches from high

Andean peaks and the lush Amazon basin

to Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. It offers

an intriguing mix of diverse landscapes,

colonial heritage and modernity. Discover

exciting cultural hubs and well-preserved

colonial gems, explore traces of ancient

civilisations, visit a coffee plantation, search

for wildlife in pristine rainforests, relax on

tropical beaches or go whale watching on

the Pacific coast. The Colombians are warm

and most welcoming, quick to dispel any

negative stereotype that may linger from

their past.

Experiences in

Colombia

Bogotá & Surrounds

Villa de Leyva

Vibrant city • Gold Museum • Colonial town of

Villa de Leyva

Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, is home to the Gold

Museum, housing the world’s most complete

collection of ancient gold artefacts. The historic

Candelaria district has colonial heritage, and

a cable car climbs up the Monserrat hill for

panoramic views of the city. To the north, near

the town of Zipaquirá, an amazing cathedral

is built inside an old salt mine, while a threehour

drive away lies the well-preserved

colonial town of Villa de Leyva, with its cobbled

streets lined with crimson bougainvillea and

whitewashed houses.

Coffee plantations

Coffee Country

Fertile hillsides • Traditional villages

Cartagena

Cartagena & the Caribbean

Beautiful fortified town • Characterful

colonial hotels • Turquoise seas

The colourful Caribbean port of Cartagena is

a true colonial gem best explored on foot. The

UNESCO-protected walled city enchants visitors

with well-preserved Spanish fortifications,

historic convents, beautiful churches, winding

alleyways, grand mansions with overhanging

flower-filled balconies, and small, attractive

plazas. Stay in a restored colonial house and

take a day trip to Rosario Islands. Alternatively,

venture further north to Tayrona National Park

or fly to the laid-back island of Providencia,

near the coast of Nicaragua.

The lush countryside of Colombia’s coffee

region is dotted with small plantations and

picturesque villages. Relax in a delightful

hacienda (converted country house) and learn

about century-old traditions of coffee growing.

Native wax palm trees, the tallest in the world,

grow in the verdant Cocora Valley, while the

cloud forest of Los Nevados National Park is

home to orchids and hummingbirds.

Medellín social transformation tour

Medellín, once a troubled city, has

blossomed into a shining example of social

transformation and urban regeneration.

Visit innovative projects in once marginalised

neighbourhoods, take in some of the graffti

art at Comuna 13, or join in a cookery class

with people from the local community.

San Agustín’s archaeological

treasures

The San Agustín archaeological park, in

Colombia’s south-west, has the largest

collection of megalithic sculptures in South

America. This impressive array of imposing

statues (many of anthropomorphic figures

and up to four metres tall), stone slabs and

burial chambers was created by a

mysterious pre-Columbian culture.

Los Llanos luxury tented camp

Explore the tropical savannas of Los Llanos

from the exclusive Corocora tented camp,

set within a remote private reserve. Journey

across the grasslands by horse or foot

in search of capybaras, anacondas, giant

anteaters, howler monkeys and a bewildering

array of birds, or help local cowboys herd

cattle.

Eco-chic Caribbean stays

Stay in eco-chic properties at or near the

ruggedly beautiful Tayrona National

Park, where the lush Sierra Nevada

mountains meet the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy

pristine palm-fringed beaches set in deep

bays or take nature hikes through the

untouched rainforest, home to spider

monkeys and numerous birds.


71

LATIN AMERICA • COLOMBIA

Treasures

of Colombia







people (max 18)



Avianca

Internal flights


upgrades available


vehicles


each destination


Welcome dinner & farewell drink


fees included

Porterage at hotels

Weather

Cartagena


A 31 31 31 32 32 32 32 32 32 31 31 31

B 23 23 24 24 25 25 25 25 25 24 24 23

C 8 2 6 34 102 110 97 130 140 218 129 35




Travel from Andean peaks to tropical

Caribbean coastlines, passing through the

mountain capital of Bogotá, picturesque

Villa de Leyva, fertile coffee country, vibrant

Medellín and the colonial port of Cartagena,

one of South America’s most beautiful towns.


Visit the superb Gold Museum in Bogotá

Take a ride on an iconic Willys Jeep in

coffee country

Gain insight into Medellin’s cultural and

social transformation and support a

community project

Soak up the atmosphere of colourful

Cartagena on a walking tour

Day 1: Fly to Bogotá


connections available) to Bogotá with

Avianca. (N)

Cartagena

Day 2: Villa de Leyva

Early morning arrival and transfer by road

to Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s finest

colonial towns. En route, stop at Tunja and

Boyacá bridge, the site of the turning point

in Colombia's struggle for independence.

Stay 2 nights at the Posada de San Antonio.

Afternoon is at leisure and in the evening enjoy

a welcome dinner. (B, D)

Day 3: Villa de Leyva

Full-day tour of this beautiful town of cobbled

streets lined with whitewashed houses. Visit

the nearby 120-million-year-old kronosaurus

fossil and the Dominican convent. (B)

Day 4: Bogotá

Transfer by road back to Bogotá, stopping

at Zipaquirá en route to see the remarkable

salt cathedral, built inside an old salt mine.

Stay at the Hotel Chico 97 for 2 nights. (B)

Day 5: Bogotá

Morning walking tour of the historic La

Candelaria district, Botero’s art collection and

the Gold Museum, featuring one of the world’s

most complete collections of ancient gold

artefacts. Afternoon at leisure or optional cable

car ride to Monserrat hill for panoramic views.

(B)

Day 6: Fly to Pereira

Fly to Pereira in the coffee region, declared a

world heritage site by UNESCO. Visit a local

coffee farm to learn about the growing and

production of high quality coffee beans.

Afternoon at leisure and stay for 2 nights

at the Hotel Casa San Carlos Lodge

(or similar). (B)

Day 7: Coffee region

Today, explore the verdant Cocora Valley,

famous for its wax palm trees – the tallest in

the world. Ride in a typical Willys Jeep, walk

into the cloud forest, and visit the traditional

villages of Filandia and Salento. (B, L)

Day 8: Medellín

Travel by road to Medellín (journey time

approximately 7 hours), stopping at a scenic

lookout for views over the Cauca River. Stay for

2 nights at the Hotel Poblado Plaza. (B)

Day 9: Medellín

Full-day tour to learn about the cultural and

social transformation of the city. Visit the

hillside Comuna 13 with its street art and

outdoor escalators, and take lunch with a

cooking demonstration at Las Berracas, a

community project empowering local women.

Continue to the centre to see the curved

sculptures by local artist Fernando Botero

and onto Cerro Nutibara hill for panoramic

views. (B, L)

Days 10 & 11: Fly to Cartagena

Transfer to the airport and fly to the attractive

Caribbean city of Cartagena. Stay at the Hotel

Santa Catalina for 2 nights. Discover the old

town on a walking tour, visit the impregnable

Spanish fort of San Felipe and the charming

neighbourhood of Getsemani, and see San

Pedro Claver church with its fine stained-glass

windows. (B)

Days 12 & 13: Fly to London via Bogotá

Morning at leisure or an optional visit to the

national aviary. Overnight flight to London via

Bogotá with Avianca. (B) (N)

72


REGION



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + San Agustín


Travel to the south and explore the

elaborate pre-Columbian ceremonial sites of

San Agustín, including huge carved stones,

burial tombs and impressive statues.

Days 12-14: Tayrona National Park

Transfer by road (approximately 5 hours)

to Tayrona for a 3-night stay in or near the

national park. Days at leisure on the coast or

take optional excursions. (B)


Transfer to the Santa Marta airport for a

flight to Bogotá and on to London. (B) (N)

Alternatively take a 40-minute boat trip and

stay at the luxurious Sofitel Barú Calablanca

Beach Resort, situated just off the coast of

Cartagena.

Cocora Valley


Locally escorted tour: This tour is lead in each

destination en route by a local tour guide.

Standard tour: This tour includes some smaller

character properties where rooms may vary.







Day 12: Fly to Pitalito via Bogotá • San

Agustín

Morning flight to Bogotá and on to Pitalito.

Transfer by road (approximately 1 hour) to

the small town of San Agustín and stay at

Akawanka Lodge for 2 nights. (B)

Day 13: San Agustín

Full-day tour to San Agustín Archaeological

Park and the Magdalena River. Visit the

small museum, explore the enormous stone

statuary and see the Fuente de Lavapatas site,

a religious monument carved in the stone bed

of a stream. (B)


Return to Pitalito and fly to Bogotá to

connect to an overnight flight to London

with Avianca. (B) (N)

Tour + Caribbean beach stay


Extend your journey on the rugged, unspoilt

palm-fringed beaches of Tayrona National

Park or surrounds, where the lush Sierra

Nevada mountains meet the turquoise

Caribbean Sea.


Group tour

From £2,795

Guide price months: Feb-Mar, Sep-Nov


Avianca flight upgrades

Business Class prices on request

Private tour




Guide price months: Jan-Mar, Sep-Nov






Out (Sat) Rtn (Thu)

03 Feb 24 15 Feb 24

16 Mar 24 28 Mar 24

Out (Sat) Rtn (Thu)

31 Aug 24 12 Sep 24

02 Nov 24 14 Nov 24

Tour code: TCO



Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester or Newcastle

Out (Sat) Rtn (Thu)

08 Feb 25 20 Feb 25

15 Mar 25 27 Mar 25

Out (Sat) Rtn (Thu)

30 Aug 25 11 Sep 25

01 Nov 25 13 Nov 25




73

LATIN AMERICA • ARGENTINA, CHILE & BRAZIL

Splendours of

South America







people (max 20)



upgrades available


British Airways

Internal flights


vehicles


each destination




fees included

Porterage at hotels

Weather

El Calafate


A 16 15 13 10 5 3 2 4 8 11 13 15

B 5 5 3 1 -2 -4 -5 -3 -2 0 3 4

C 42 40 51 50 48 47 46 44 39 36 36 42




Explore the celebrated highlights of Brazil,

Chile and Argentina, combining spectacular

natural wonders with some of South America’s

most exciting cities. Start in the foothills of the

Andes, discover the extraordinary landscapes

of Patagonia and finish in style on a worldfamous

beach in Rio de Janeiro.


Privileged stay close to the dramatic

Iguazú Falls

Discover Patagonia’s celebrated sights

on both sides of the Andes

Soak up the Latin culture of Buenos

Aires and vibrant Rio de Janeiro

Luxury stay on legendary

Copacabana beach

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

Day 3: Santiago

Morning city tour including the historic centre,

San Cristobal hill and the Museum of Pre-

Columbian Art. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Fly to Punta Arenas • Patagonia

Fly to Punta Arenas for a short tour and views

of the Strait of Magellan. Continue through the

vast wilderness to Puerto Natales. Overnight at

Hotel Costaustralis (fjord-view room). (B)


Full-day excursion to Torres del Paine National

Park to see its peaks, glacial lakes and

Patagonian wildlife. Stay 2 nights at Hotel Lago

Grey (upgrade to a superior room with glacier

view from £60 per person). (B, L)


Morning walk in the national park, close to

Lake Nordenskjöld and Salto Grande waterfall.

Afternoon at leisure or optional excursions in

the park. (B)

Day 7: El Calafate, Argentina

Cross the border to El Calafate in Argentina

and stay 2 nights at the Hotel Kosten Aike. (B)

Day 8: Perito Moreno Glacier

Full-day tour of Perito Moreno Glacier.

Optional boat trip in front of the gigantic

glacier wall. (B)


Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to the Alvear

Art Hotel for 3 nights. (B, D)

Days 10 & 11: Buenos Aires

Half-day tour of the elegant capital city and the

colourful La Boca district. Day 11 is at leisure

or take optional excursion to an estancia in the

Pampas or Colonia in Uruguay. (B)


Fly to Iguazú Falls and stay for 2 nights at the

Gran Meliá Iguazú inside the park (upgrade

to a falls-view room from £145). Guided visit

of the Brazilian side of these striking cataracts

and time at leisure to explore the various

walkways on the Argentinian side at your own

pace. The cascades can be experienced while

the park is closed to other visitors. (B)

Day 1: Fly to Santiago, Chile


available) to Santiago with British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Santiago

Arrive and transfer to the Pullman Santiago

El Bosque for a 2 -night stay and a welcome

dinner. Optional afternoon visit to a nearby

winery (enquire at time of booking). (D)

Day 14: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fly to Rio, set on a natural bay and surrounded

by mountains. Stay at the luxury Fairmont Rio

de Janeiro Copacabana (deluxe city/partial

ocean view room) on this iconic beach for 3

nights † . Upgrade to a deluxe oceanfront room

from £125. (B)

Days 15 & 16: Rio de Janeiro

Full-day city tour including Corcovado, the

74


REGION

Iguaçu Falls, Brazil

statue of Christ the Redeemer, and a cable car

ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain finishing with

a farewell drink at your hotel. Day 16 at

leisure or optional excursions including a visit

to the old centre of Rio or a 4x4 tour to Tijuca

forest. (B)


Overnight flight to London with British Airways.

Please enquire for supplements for day room if

required. Arrive in London the next day. (B) (N)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Atacama Desert + tour


Travel to the far north of Chile and the

small oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama

to explore the fascinating landscape of the

Atacama Desert, one of the driest places

on Earth.

Tour + Amazon


An immense network of rivers and forest, the

Amazon is home to the greatest number of

living plants and animal species in the world.

Fly to Manaus and stay at the Amazon Ecopark

Lodge, taking local excursions including jungle

walks, alligator spotting and a boat trip to see

the Meeting of the Waters.





Group tour


Guide price month: late Nov


Guide price months: Jan-Mar, Oct- Nov

†

Rio de Janeiro: The 25 Jan 2024 and 20 Feb

2025 departures includes 3 days / 2 nights in

Rio due to Carnival / Champion’s Parade. If you

would like to extend your stay to include the

parade, please enquire about prices.

Itinerary: This tour joins the ‘Wonders of the

New World’ tour from Buenos Aires to Rio

de Janeiro.







Private tour



Tour code: SPG


Guide price months: Jan-Mar, Oct-Nov

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Santiago

Fly to Santiago with British Airways. On arrival

take a flight to Calama and transfer to San

Pedro de Atacama for 3 nights at the Hotel

Poblado Kimal. (N)

Days 3 & 4: Atacama

Full-day tour of the Atacama salt flat, the

Andean desert village of Toconao and the

Valley of the Moon. Time at leisure to explore

the town or take optional excursions. (B)


Fly to Santiago and transfer to the hotel to join

the rest of the group. (B)

Tour + Búzios


The beach resort of Búzios provides a relaxing

stay at the end of your journey. Please refer to

page 77 for further details.




Club World from £2,795 return










Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

†

25 Jan 24 10 Feb 24

07 Mar 24 24 Mar 24

17 Oct 24 03 Nov 24

31 Oct 24 17 Nov 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

14 Nov 24 01 Dec 24

28 Nov 24 15 Dec 24

23 Jan 25 09 Feb 25

06 Feb 25 23 Feb 25

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

†

20 Feb 25 08 Mar 25

06 Mar 25 23 Mar 25

20 Mar 25 06 Apr 25

16 Oct 25 02 Nov 25

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

30 Oct 25 16 Nov 25

13 Nov 25 30 Nov 25

27 Nov 25 14 Dec 25

11 Dec 25 28 Dec 25




75

ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, PERU & BOLIVIA

Grand Tour of

South America







people (max 20)



British Airways

Internal flights


upgrades available


vehicles


each destination


Welcome & farewell drinks


fees included

Porterage at hotels

Easter departures ‡

Weather

Cuzco


A 17 17 17 18 18 18 17 18 18 19 19 18

B 4 4 4 3 0 -2 -2 -1 1 3 3 4

C 153 136 120 46 8 2 4 8 23 40 68 116




This tour focuses on South America’s

cultural and natural highlights, revealing the

continent's diversity, and passing from high

Andean scenery down to the thundering

Iguazú Falls. Stop in buzzing cities along

the way including Bolivia’s capital of La Paz,

cosmopolitan Buenos Aires in Argentina and

the exotic Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.


A coast-to-coast, multi-country

experience

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overnight stays at Machu Picchu and

inside Iguazú National Park

Luxury sleeper train journey across

the altiplano

Visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca

and stay on its shore

Upmarket beach hotel in Rio de Janeiro

Day 1: Fly to Lima, Peru


available) to Lima with British Airways. Transfer

to the Casa Andina Premium Miraflores for 2

nights. (N)

Day 2: Lima

Morning tour of Lima, with a stop at the

historic Cordano tavern for a welcome pisco

sour drink. (B)


Fly to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca

empire. Transfer to the Sacred Valley, via

the indigenous village of Chinchero and

Ollantaytambo Inca fortress. Stay at the Casa

Andina Premium Sacred Valley for 1 night. (B)

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Take the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu

and explore the spectacular Inca city. Stay at

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo for 1 night.

(B, L, D)

Day 5: Cuzco

Morning at leisure or further explore Machu

Picchu (purchase tickets at time of booking).

In the afternoon, return to Cuzco by train and

stay 2 nights at the Casa Andina Premium

Cuzco. (B)

Day 6: Cuzco

Morning tour of Cuzco and San Blas. Afternoon

at leisure or optional excursions. (B)

Day 7: Luxury train to Puno

Take the Belmond Andean Explorer sleeper

train across the altiplano (high plain) to Puno

on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy majestic

vistas from the stylish lounge car and watch

the sunset at La Raya (the highest point of the

route). Dinner and overnight on board (bunkbed

cabin). Upgrade to a twin-bed cabin from

£125. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Wake up to see the sunrise over Lake Titicaca.

Travel by road to Huatajata in Bolivia visiting

Copacabana and its shrine en route. See

the cultural exhibition at the Andean Roots

Eco Village, discover how reed boats are

constructed and meet a spiritual Kallawaya

healer. Stay overnight at the Inca Utama

on the shores of the lake and observe the

southern constellations from the hotel’s

astronomical observatory. (B, L)

Day 9: Uros Iruitos • La Paz

Take a hydrofoil cruise to the Uros floating

reed islands and visit the Quewaya Sustainable

Project. Continue overland to bustling La Paz

for an afternoon tour of the city, including the

Witches’ Market and Moon Valley. Overnight

at the Atix Hotel. (B)

Days 10-12: Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly to Buenos Aires, a city of grand architecture

and European influences. Transfer to the

Alvear Art Hotel for 3 nights. Take a morning

city tour, including the cathedral, La Boca

district and the Recoleta Cemetery. Day at

leisure or take optional excursions. (B)


Fly to Iguazú and stay for 2 nights at the

Gran Meliá Iguazú within the park (upgrade

to a falls-view room from £145). Take a halfday

tour of the Brazilian side of the falls

for panoramic views and time at leisure to

enjoy the various nearby walkways on the

Argentinian side. (B)

76


REGION

Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Day 15: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fly to Rio, set among mountains, tropical

forests and golden beaches. Transfer to the

Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana (deluxe

city-view/partial ocean-view room) for 2 nights.

Upgrade to a deluxe oceanfront room from

£85. (B)


Full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro, including

Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain and enjoy

a farewell drink. (B)


At leisure or optional excursions (day room

use from £95). Evening flight to London with

British Airways, arriving the following day.

(B) (N)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Galápagos pre-tour: Take a pre-tour to the

Galápagos Islands and discover their fascinating

wildlife. The islands are best explored aboard an

expedition cruiser and combined with a 2-night

stay in Quito. Please enquire for details.


†

Easter departures: The 27 March 2024 and

16 April 2025 departures will spend Easter at

Machu Picchu and Cuzco.

Guideline prices for 2024

Group tour








Itinerary: This tour includes some early

morning starts and long days. The flight to

Lima is currently via Madrid.







Private tour






Tour code: GTA

Tour + Búzios Beach


Relax at the end of your tour in the charming

beach resort of Búzios, with first-class

restaurants, chic shops and numerous

sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters.

Days 17-19: Búzios

Transfer to Búzios (approximately 2.5 hours)

and stay for 3 or 4 nights at Vila da Santa

(junior garden-view room). Upgrade to a

deluxe partial ocean-view room from £195

or to Casas Brancas from £165. At leisure or

optional excursions. (B)


Transfer to Rio de Janeiro for an overnight

flight to London with British Airways. (B) (N)


World Traveller Plus prices on request



Prices on request: To/from Aberdeen, Belfast,

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester or Newcastle

The guideline tour prices are all per person in pound sterling, based on two people sharing a twin / double room.

For up-to-date prices for all departure dates, including special offers when applicable, please visit CoxandKings.

co.uk. All prices are subject to availability. Please visit our website for all 2025 dates and itineraries.

Departure dates for 2024

Out (Wed) Rtn (Sat)

†

27 Mar 24 13 Apr 24

10 Apr 24 27 Apr 24

24 Apr 24 11 May 24

08 May 24 25 May 24

Out (Wed) Rtn (Sat)

22 May 24 08 Jun 24

12 Jun 24 29 Jun 24

17 Jul 24 03 Aug 24

21 Aug 24 07 Sep 24

Out (Wed) Rtn (Sat)

04 Sep 24 21 Sep 24

18 Sep 24 05 Oct 24

02 Oct 24 19 Oct 24

09 Oct 24 26 Oct 24

Out (Wed) Rtn (Sat)

23 Oct 24 09 Nov 24

06 Nov 24 23 Nov 24




77

LATIN AMERICA • MEXICO

Discover Mexico

Mexico has a vast and varied terrain, rich

history and an extraordinary pre-Columbian

legacy. Its Spanish past is best explored in

the colonial towns and cities in the centre

and north of the country, while impressive

Mayan and Aztec sites and pyramids

can be discovered across the Yucatan

and the south. The spectacular natural

scenery encompasses tropical rainforests,

volcanoes, dramatic mountain canyons,

desert coastlines, waterfalls and pristine

white sand beaches. Carefully restored

character hotels offer distinctive places to

stay, further enriching the experience.

Monte Albán

Experiences in

Mexico

Mexico City & Oaxaca

Superb anthropological museum • Ancient

pyramids • Regional cuisine

Oaxaca

The urban sprawl of Mexico City contains the

country’s finest art galleries and museums,

alongside superb restaurants and vibrant

nightlife. Visit the vast main plaza (Zócalo) and

the impressive Museum of Anthropology, and

venture north-east to the magnificent Sun and

Moon pyramids of Teotihuacán. Oaxaca is one

of the country’s most beautiful colonial towns

with baroque churches, cobbled streets and

graceful arcades. In the surrounding valleys

discover small indigenous villages and the

ancient Zapotec site of Monte Albán.

Agua Azul, Chiapas

Yucatan Peninsula

Impressive Mayan ruins • Luxury colonial

haciendas • Caribbean coastal retreats

The Yucatan Peninsula is covered in jungle and

dotted with ancient ruins, while its white sand

beaches are perfect for relaxation. Explore

inland using the delightful colonial city of Mérida

as a base, or stay in a beautifully converted rural

hacienda. Discover the awe-inspiring pyramids

and temples of Mayan sites such as Uxmal,

Chichén Itzá and Coba or make a side-trip to

the historic walled town of Campeche. Swim

in a cenote, a unique freshwater sinkhole; visit

Celestún coastal reserve, habitat to abundant

birdlife; and little Holbox island.

Chiapas

Chichén Itzá

Indigenous communities • Lush jungle •

Mayan ruins • Rivers, canyons & waterfalls

The cool mountain highlands and lush rainforest

of Chiapas are dotted with mysterious Mayan

ruins, from the pyramids of Palenque to remote

Yaxchilán and Bonampak, adorned with vivid

murals. Visit colonial San Cristóbal de las Casas

and traditional Mayan communities, and marvel

at the spectacular Sumidero Canyon or the

beautiful waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha.

Palenque Mayan ruins

The ruins of this magnificent ancient

city are considered among the most

spectacular in Mexico and feature fine

Mayan architecture and painted stucco

decorations set against the jungle.

Wonder at the eight-storey Temple of

the Inscriptions, and listen to the cries of

howler monkeys echoing in the trees.

Visit indigenous villages

The fascinating Tzotzil Mayan villages

of Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula in

Chiapas have a distinct identity. See local

people proudly wearing traditional outfits

with elaborate decoration and ribboned

hats, and witness older pre-Hispanic

customs mixed with Catholicism in

various rituals.

Copper Canyon train ride

The Chihuahua Pacific Railway (or El

Chepe) offers one of the most scenic train

journeys in the world, travelling from the

town of Chihuahua all the way to the coast,

or vice versa, with stops at Divisadero

and El Fuerte. Admire dramatic views of

rugged, forested canyons – some deeper

than the Grand Canyon.

Mayan Riviera stay

The beautiful Mayan Riviera runs along

the Caribbean coast south of Cancun

and is blessed with white sandy beaches

and turquoise seas. Relax at an intimate

beachside resort and visit the clifftop

ruins of Tulum. Snorkel offshore from the

world's largest reef or search for wildlife

by boat in the Sian Ka’an Reserve.

78


CUBA • LATIN AMERICA

Discover Cuba

Cuba offers colourful heritage, intriguing

history, a lush interior and glorious beaches –

yet it is no ordinary Caribbean island. Classic

American cars, rum and cigars, intoxicating

Cuban music, crumbling colonial buildings

and Che Guevara murals all add to the charm

and character of this special destination.

Private homes, some with original colonialera

artwork, open their doors as family-run

paladar restaurants or casas particulares

and provide an opportunity to experience

the local culture. Tourist infrastructure in

Cuba remains less developed and a flexible

approach to travel is recommended.

Grand Theatre and vintage cars, Havana

Experiences

in Cuba

Havana

Ladies in traditional dress, Havana

Enigmatic time-warp city • Faded grandeur •

Famous seafront boulevard

A former port of call for ships to the New World,

Havana is built on a sweeping bay. The UNESCOprotected

old city, Havana Vieja, is currently

being restored to its former glory with beautiful

baroque churches, palaces and convents lining

its cobbled streets and squares. The state of

decay of some of the colonial buildings only adds

to the charm of this enigmatic city. Soak up the

atmosphere strolling along the streets, visit one

of many museums in converted colonial

mansions, dance to salsa and rumba, or just relax

with a mojito on your hotel’s rooftop terrace.

Viñales Valley

Trinidad & surrounds

The Viñales Valley

Peculiar limestone outcrops • Traditional

rural life & tobacco plantations

Trinidad

Beautiful colonial town • Valley of the Sugar

Mills • Che Guevara's memorial

Colonial Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage

Site, has pastel-coloured buildings and serene

cobbled streets that seem frozen in time. Visit

the Cantero Museum, an old merchant’s home,

and the local Casa de la Musica. Not far from

town there are fine stretches of beach, ruins of

former sugar plantations, and the verdant slopes

of the Escambray Mountains. A trip to Trinidad is

often combined with stops at French-influenced

Cienfuegos; nearby Playa Girón, nestled on the

infamous Bay of Pigs; and historic Santa Clara,

site of the Che Guevara memorial.

The fascinating landscape of this fertile valley

is dotted with palm trees and peculiar mogotes

(rounded limestone outcrops). There are

countless caves and green plantations where

tobacco growing has remained unchanged

for centuries. In the nearby Sierra del Rosario,

the eco resort of Las Terrazas offers another

authentic glimpse into Cuba’s rural life.

Classic American car ride

These lovingly maintained vintage vehicles

from the 1940s and ‘50s roll up and down

the streets of Havana. For a memorable

experience, take a ride through the city

and along the famous Malecón, Havana’s

oceanfront promenade that bustles with

couples and fishermen.

Music & cigars

Cuba’s two most celebrated exports are

surely its iconic cigars and its infectious Afro-

Cuban music. Admire the expert skills of a

cigar roller at a tobacco factory or catch a

live performance of the extravagant Cabaret

Parisien, the Buena Vista Social Club or the

Legendarios del Guajirito in Havana.

A taste of revolution

Havana’s Museum of the Revolution, housed

in former dictator Batista’s palace, is a

perfect introduction to Cuba’s contradictory

history. The large Revolution Square has

an oversized bronze silhouette of Ernesto

‘Che’ Guevara and the final resting place of

the famous revolutionary in Santa Clara, as

well as the museum dedicated to his life, are

essential stops on any tour.

Cuba’s cays

Cuba’s northern coast is dotted with numerous

small islands and cays, some connected to the

mainland by long causeways. The less crowded

Cayo Santa Maria, with white swathes of sand,

crystal-clear waters and offshore reefs teeming

with marine life offer excellent opportunities

to relax. We recommend the Melia Buenavista

adults-only resort, set on a peninsula away

from other hotels.


79

LATIN AMERICA • MEXICO

Highlights

of Mexico

Duration • 14 Days & 12 Nights Small-group tour • From £3,495

Category • Standard Private tour • From £5,095




upgrades available

Average group size – 12 people

(max 18)


British Airways

Internal flights


vehicles




fees included

Porterage at hotels

Festival departures †

Weather

Oaxaca


A 26 27 29 30 30 27 26 26 25 26 26 26

B 7 8 10 12 13 13 13 13 13 11 9 7

C 4 5 11 31 77 140 92 103 125 51 10 5




Day of the Dead celebrations

Discover the legacy of the Aztec, Mayan and

Spanish empires on this outstanding tour

of Mexico’s finest sites. Explore magnificent

pyramids and temples, colourful colonial

cities with their indigenous influences, and

the natural beauty of valleys, canyons,

waterfalls and tropical rainforests.


Food tasting at Mexico city’s oldest

gourmet market

Boat ride through the Sumidero canyon

Become a guest at a small indigenous

house and see how fresh tortillas

are made

Visit an off- the-beaten- path

Yucatan cenote

Witness unique local traditions on Easter

and Day of the Dead festival departures

Day 1: Fly to Mexico City


available) to Mexico City with British Airways.

Transfer to the Galeria Plaza Hotel for 3

nights. (N)

Day 2: Mexico City

Full-day city tour, including the Zocalo

(main plaza), the National Cathedral, the

Anthropological Museum and the gourmet

San Juan Market. (B, L)

Day 3: Teotihuacán

In the morning visit the Plaza of the ”Three

Cultures” and continue to the pyramids of

Teotihuacán, dating back 2,000 years. On your

return, stop at the historic Shrine of Our Lady

of Guadalupe. (B, L)

Day 4: Fly to Oaxaca

Fly to Oaxaca, a beautiful colonial city, and take

an afternoon tour. Stay 2 nights at the Parador

San Miguel. (B)

Day 5: Monte Albán

Morning visit to the impressive ancient Zapotec

capital of Monte Albán. Afternoon at leisure or

optional visit to the ruins of Mitla. (B)

Days 6 & 7: Fly to Tuxtla Gutiérrez • San

Cristóbal de las Casas

Fly to Tuxtla Gutiérrez via Mexico city, and

take a boat along the Grijalva River to the

Sumidero canyon. Continue to San Cristóbal

de las Casas for 2 nights at the Hotel Diego de

Mazariegos. The following morning, tour this

colonial town and the nearby Mayan villages of

Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula with a visit

to a local family home. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 8: Palenque

Drive from the cool highlands to the tropical

lowlands and Palenque via the waterfalls of

Roberto Barrios. Stay 1 night at the Chan Kah

Resort. (B, L)

Day 9: Palenque • Campeche

Morning tour of Palenque, one of the greatest

Mayan sites. Afternoon drive to Campeche via

the scenic Sabancuy coast (5 hours). Overnight

at the Hotel Plaza Campeche. (B, L)

Day 10: Kabah • Uxmal • Mérida

In the morning, drive to the Palace of Masks

at Kabah and then head to Uxmal for a tour of

the Mayan ceremonial centre. In the afternoon

continue to Mérida and stay at the Mision de

Fray Diego for 2 nights. (B, L)

Day 11: Mérida

Morning walking tour of the city. (B)

Day 12: Chichén Itzá

Transfer to Chichén Itzá and tour the ancient

Mayan city. In the afternoon, visit the

Yokdzonot Cenote, a freshwater sinkhole

considered sacred by the Maya, and take a

refreshing swim while supporting the local

community that runs it. Overnight at Mayaland

Hotel (or similar). Enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, D)


Transfer to Cancun for a direct overnight flight

to London with British Airways. (B) (N)



80


REGION

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Copper Canyon + tour


Explore northern Mexico’s vast Copper Canyon,

one and a half times deeper than the Grand

Canyon. Fly to Los Mochis or Chihuahua and

take the Chepe train up the Sierra Madre

mountains. Stay for 2 nights at Hotel Posada

Barrancas Mirador with views over the canyon

and, depending on train schedules, combine

with overnight stays at El Fuerte, Los Mochis

or Creel.

Tour + Guatemala


Fly to Guatemala and take in the country's

highlights, including the classic Mayan site

of Tikal in the Petén jungle, the indigenous

Chichicastenango market, and Lake Atitlan,

before finishing at the beautiful colonial-era

city of Antigua.

Tour + Caribbean coast



Transfer to Cancun for an overnight


†

Festival departures:

The 27 March 2024 and 16 April 2025 tours

coincide with the Semana Santa (Easter week)

processions in Oaxaca, while the 27 October

2024 and 27 October 2025 departures coincide

with the Day of the Dead celebrations, where

families pay respect to the deceased with

offerings such as flowers and food.


Group tour


Guide price months: Feb-Mar, Oct-Nov






Accessibility: Uneven terrain is covered during

visits to the ruins.







Private tour


Guide price month: Sep


Guide price months: Jan-Mar


Teotihuacán

Tour code: HOM



Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle or

Manchester

Enjoy the turquoise waters and white sandy

beaches of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera on the

Caribbean coast, south of Cancun.

Days 13-15: Mayan Riviera

Transfer to Cancun with the rest of the group

and continue south along the coast. Spend 3

nights at the Aloft Tulum or the beachfront

Alea Tulum, or upgrade to full-board at Ana

y José Hotel & Spa. You are at leisure to relax

or take optional excursions to the marvellous

pyramids of Tulum or the coastal channels of

the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. (B)

The guideline tour prices are all per person in pound sterling, based on two people sharing a twin

/ double room. For current prices for all departure dates, including special offers when applicable,



Out (Fri) Rtn (Thu)

01 Mar 24 14 Mar 24

†

27 Mar 24 09 Apr 24

Out (Fri) Rtn (Thu)

†

27 Oct 24 09 Nov 24

15 Nov 24 28 Nov 24

Out (Fri) Rtn (Thu)

07 Feb 25 20 Feb 25

07 Mar 25 20 Mar 25

†

16 Apr 25 29 Apr 25

Out (Fri) Rtn (Thu)

†

27 Oct 25 09 Nov 25

14 Nov 25 27 Nov 25




81

LATIN AMERICA • CUBA

Splendours

of Cuba







people (max 18)

Simple & Good Standard

accommodation


upgrades available



vehicles



Welcome & farewell lunches


fees included

Porterage at airports

Extended Oriente departures *

Trinidad

Cuba is changing fast, so now is a great time

to visit while its exotic and distinctive style

remains. Discover faded colonial grandeur

in Havana and Trinidad, delightful rolling

countryside, tobacco and coffee plantations,

the historical sites of the revolution and the

ever-present rhythms of the son and mambo

styles of music.

of 2 nights. Established as a sustainable

environmental and development project,

Las Terrazas provides an ideal introduction

to Cuba’s countryside life and landscapes.

Visit the local community and the partially

restored 19th-century coffee estate. (B, L)

Day 4: Viñales

Full-day tour of the beautiful Viñales Valley

with its rounded limestone hills. Visit a tobacco

plantation and take a boat ride through the

Indian Cave. (B, L)

Day 5: Peninsula de Zapata • Cienfuegos

Travel to Cienfuegos via the Peninsula

de Zapata. Take a boat trip through the

mangroves and drive past Playa Girón, site of

the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. Continue to the

small city of Cienfuegos, with its distinct French

influence, for 1 night. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Cienfuegos • Trinidad

Morning tour of Cienfuegos, known as the

‘Pearl of the South’, and visit the Cienfuegos

botanical gardens. Afternoon transfer to

Trinidad for a 2-night stay in a casa particular in

the heart of the old town. Dine this evening at

a privately run paladar (small restaurant). (B, D)

Weather

Trinidad


A 29 29 30 31 32 32 33 33 32 32 30 29

B 19 19 20 21 22 23 23 23 23 23 21 20

C 25 39 39 42 159 204 154 169 208 162 57 24




Standard departure

Oriente departure


Take a ride in a classic American car

and stroll around old Havana

Dine at privately run paladar

restaurants

Experience rural life in the

Las Terrazas community

Gain insight into the Cuban

Revolution at Che Guevara’s museum

Day 1: Fly to Havana


available) to Havana via Paris. Transfer to

the Royalton Habana Paseo del Prado for

2 nights. (N)

Day 2: Havana

Morning walking tour of Old Havana with

a stop at El Floridita, home of the daiquiri

cocktail. Welcome lunch at a characterful

paladar and afternoon panoramic tour in a

classic American car, visiting Revolution

Square and a rum museum. (B, L)

Day 3: Las Terrazas

In the morning, drive to Las Terrazas in the

western province of Pinar del Rio for a stay

Day 7: Trinidad

Morning walking tour of the town, including

the Romantic Museum or Cantero Museum

and a visit to Casa de la Musica. Founded in

1514, Trinidad contains well-preserved

colonial buildings with hardly a trace of

20th-century architecture. In the afternoon,

drive to the Valley of the Sugar Mills, dotted

with ruins of large former sugar plantations

and visit the Manaca Iznaga watchtower,

a reminder of Cuba’s slave trade and

colonisation. (B, L)

Day 8: Santa Clara • Havana

Morning drive to Santa Clara, the site of the

turning point in the Cuban revolution, and

see Che Guevara’s museum and mausoleum.

After a farewell lunch, continue to Havana for

2 nights at the Royalton Habana Paseo del

Prado. Optional evening music performance.

(B, L)

Day 9: Havana

Day at leisure to stroll along Old Havana’s

cobbled streets or take optional visits to the

Bellas Artes Museum, Hemingway’s Museum

or the Revolution Museum. (B)


Overnight flight to London via Paris, arriving

the following day. (B) (N)



82


REGION

Viñales

*

Oriente departures


On selected dates, the tour continues further

through the interior to Santiago de Cuba and

provides a rare glimpse into eastern Cuba’s

history, culture and mountain scenery.

Day 8: Trinidad

Day at leisure in Trinidad or take optional

excursions.

Day 9: Camagüey

This morning drive to Camagüey (5-6 hours) for

a short tour of its winding streets – designed to

deter pirate attacks. Stay overnight. (B)

Days 10 & 11: Holguin • Santiago de Cuba

Full-day journey to Santiago de Cuba for a

2-night stay, visiting Holguin and Castro’s

birthplace at Biran en route. Explore the

island’s first capital and birthplace of Afro-

Cuban culture, including the historical centre,

El Morro fortress, and the Gran Piedra; and

the Sierra Maestra mountains. (B, L)

Day 12: Sancti Spíritus

Full-day journey to Sancti Spíritus for an

overnight stay visiting El Cobre church,

Cuba’s most important shrine, and Bayamo

en route. (B)

Days 13 & 14: Santa Clara • Havana

Take a short city tour. Continue to historic

Santa Clara for a visit, then on to Havana for

2 nights at the Royalton Habana Paseo del

Prado hotel. (B, L) (B)


Morning at leisure. Fly to London overnight via

Madrid or Paris. (B) (N)

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Cayo Santa Maria


After visiting Santa Clara on Day 8 or Day 13,

continue to a white sandy cay off Cuba’s north

coast. Stay for 3 or 4 nights at the Meliá Cayo

Santa Maria or Angsana Cayo Santa Maria,

or upgrade to the first-class Meliá Buenavista

from £140 per person. Drive back to Havana

for a final night before your flight to London.


Accommodation: This tour features a

combination of Simple, Good and Superior

standard hotels, and casas particulares: simple,

private, B&B-style properties that allow for an

authentic insight into the Cuban way of life.

Cuba combines increasing popularity with

very limited good quality hotel options and the

properties we use may vary from departure

to departure. The specific accommodation for


Group tour






Air France flight upgrades

Premium Economy prices on request


each departure as well as the exact order of

your itinerary will be confirmed in your final

travel documents.

Travel in Cuba: We recommend an extremely

flexible approach to booking a holiday

and travel in Cuba. The extended Oriente

departures are better suited to the hardier

traveller due to longer road drives.







Private tour







Prices on request: Air France to / from Aberdeen,

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Manchester. Leeds/

Bradford, Newcastle, Birmingham, or Belfast





Out (Sat) Rtn (Tue)

20 Jan 24 30 Jan 24

*

28 Jan24 12 Feb 24

03 Feb 24 13 Feb 24

*

25 Feb 24 11 Mar 24

02 Mar 24 12 Mar 24

16 Mar 24 26 Mar 24

Out (Sat) Rtn (Tue)

*

27 Oct 24 11 Nov 24

09 Nov 24 19 Nov 24

*

17 Nov 24 02 Dec 24

23 Nov 24 03 Dec 24

18 Jan 25 28 Jan 25

*

26 Jan 25 10 Feb 25

Out (Sat) Rtn (Tue)

01 Feb 25 11 Feb 25

15 Feb 25 25 Feb 25

*

23 Feb 25 10 Mar 25

01 Mar 25 11 Mar 25

15 Mar 25 25 Mar 25

29 Mar 25 08 Apr 25

Tour code: CUB / CUO

Out (Sat) Rtn (Tue)

12 Apr 25 22 Apr 25

*

26 Oct 25 10 Nov 25

08 Nov 25 18 Nov 25

*

16 Nov 25 01 Dec 25

22 Nov 25 02 Dec 25




83

LATIN AMERICA • COUNTRY COSTA RICA

Discover Costa Rica

One of the most ecologically diverse places

on Earth, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s

paradise. Its landscapes range from

smouldering volcanoes, cloud forests and

coffee plantations to pristine rainforests

and beautiful beaches on the Caribbean and

Pacific coasts. National parks and reserves

protect more than a quarter of its territory

and its incredible biodiversity, including

thousands of plant varieties, numerous

kinds of colourful butterflies and more than

800 bird species. The country’s relatively

small size, combined with unspoilt beaches

and tropical forests, provides opportunities

for self-drive exploration, memorable family

holidays and a perfect balance of adventure

and relaxation.

Monteverde &

cloud forests

Quetzals & butterflies • Canopy walkways

Reached along unpaved roads, the mistshrouded

Monteverde cloud forest and the

adjacent, but smaller, Santa Elena Reserve

are home to a wealth of plant life and many

species of butterflies, insects and birds,

including resplendent quetzals. Hike along

trails surrounded by hanging vines and

flowering orchids or stroll through the treetops

on canopy walkways – suspended bridges that

bring you closer to the flora and fauna. Superb

alternatives that attract fewer visitors than

Monteverde are the 800-hectare reserve of Los

Angeles cloud forest and the private reserve of

El Silencio Lodge & Spa in the Central Valley.

Resplendent quetzals, Monteverde

Tortuguero &

the Caribbean

Boat trips along canals • Turtle watching

Tortuguero National Park is located on the

northern Caribbean coast and is accessible only

by boat or plane. We recommend travelling

past banana plantations and then taking a

boat through the network of waterways that

penetrate the dense tropical forests, linking

rivers and lagoons. Simple but comfortable

lodges are located along the canal banks, well

situated for easy forest hikes or boat trips to

spot monkeys, sloths, caimans and toucans.

Green turtles lay their eggs on the beaches

here between July and September, while

leatherbacks can be seen from March to June.

The untamed coast further south has pristine

tropical beaches and an easy-going ambience.

Tortuguero canals

84


Experiences in

Costa Rica

Turtle watching on the beach

Costa Rica is home to six species of turtles

including leatherbacks, the largest sea

turtles. During the nesting season, watch

adults laying eggs and baby turtles making

their way to the sea. There are sites both

on the Caribbean side (Tortuguero) and

the Pacific coast (Tamarindo and Ostional)

offering good possibilities of a sighting.

Squirrel monkeys, Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National

Park & surrounds

Jungle-clad beaches • Superb wildlife viewing

The small, superlative national park of Manuel

Antonio has lush rainforest fringed by beautiful

beaches and rocky headlands. Its wildlife

includes white-faced capuchins, howler and

squirrel monkeys, toucans, sloths and agoutis.

Hotels on the forested cliffs enjoy panoramic

ocean views and easy access to the beaches,

and are perfect for combining exploration and

relaxation. To the north, the Carara National

Park is home to crocodiles, monkeys and

scarlet macaws.

Caño Negro wetlands

Tamarindo & the

Nicoya Peninsula

Unspoilt beaches • Nesting turtles

The Nicoya Peninsula offers some of Costa

Rica’s finest beaches and one of the largest

remaining areas of dry forest in Central

America. The somewhat developed beach town

of Tamarindo retains a laid-back atmosphere

and here it is possible to relax, explore the

mangroves by boat or take an excursion to see

nesting leatherback turtles. The southern part

of Nicoya is more remote and has secluded

hideaways such as Punta Islita, perched on a

hillside above a private beach.

Arenal & the North

Tamarindo

Active volcanoes • Hot springs • Caño Negro

boat trip & birdlife

The impressive cone-shaped Arenal Volcano,

until recently one of the region’s most active,

is surrounded by beautiful scenery. The

majority of the hotels here are set in lush

tropical gardens and provide excellent views.

Attractions nearby include hot springs, canopy

walkways in the treetops and boat trips along

the Río Frío and the Caño Negro wetlands for

superb birdwatching. To the north-west are

the turquoise waters of Rio Celeste, and the

geothermal springs and boiling mud pools of

Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

Birdwatching

More than 850 bird species, many of which

are endemic, live in Costa Rica’s varied

habitats. Besides the cloud forests, the

Osa peninsula and Caño Negro, waterfowl

also thrive in the fresh and saltwater

lagoons of the Palo Verde wetlands. The

Sarapiquí rainforest around La Selva

Biological Station contains more than

half of the country's bird species, while

the small, forested farming community

of San Gerardo is home to trogons,

hummingbirds, and striking quetzals.

Natural hot springs

The natural thermal springs at the foot of

the Arenal Volcano and Rincón de la Vieja

National Park offer superb opportunities

for a soak in soothing, mineral-rich natural

pools of varying sizes and temperatures.

The steaming hot springs are usually

surrounded by lush vegetation, creating

a truly idyllic place to unwind.

Remote Osa Peninsula

This magnificent peninsula is covered in

dense primary rainforest, and is home

to Corcovado National Park, described

by National Geographic as "the most

biologically intense place on Earth".

Stay in a rustic luxury lodge and spot

a range of exotic creatures including

monkeys, sloths, ocelots, anteaters,

toucans, scarlet macaws and more.

Offshore, palm-fringed Caño Island is

home to beautiful sandy beaches and

excellent snorkelling opportunities.

Suggested itinerary

Costa Rica Adventure

12 days & 10 nights

Guided from £3,095 (incl. flights)

Self-drive from £2,495 (incl. flights)


Take a self-drive or guided tour to explore

the small natural paradise of Costa Rica.

Discover tropical beaches, misty cloud

forests and a wealth of wildlife with a

partner or the whole family.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to San José

Fly from London to San José with British

Airways. Stay for 2 nights. Visit the impressive

Poas or Irazú volcanoes. (N) (B)

Days 3 & 4: Arenal

Drive to Arenal for a 2-night stay. For a bird’seye

view of the rainforest, Arenal Volcano and

lake, visit the Sky Adventure Park. Relax at

Tabacon’s natural hot springs and pools. (B)

Days 5 & 6: Monteverde

Drive to Monteverde for 2 nights. Explore

the cloud forest reserve; spot wildlife from

hanging canopy walkways and visit butterfly

and hummingbird gardens. (B)

Days 7-10: Manuel Antonio or Nicoya

Continue to Manuel Antonio for a 4-night

stay. Relax on the Pacific coast, visit the

national park or take an optional boat tour

in search of dolphins. Alternatively, continue

to the Nicoya Peninsula and upgrade to the

luxurious Punta Islita. (B)

Days 11 & 12: San José • Fly home

Transfer to San José for an overnight direct


Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3627 3097



85

LATIN AMERICA • COSTA RICA

Natural Splendours

of Costa Rica






to September, an option is available to observe

turtles nesting on the beach. (B, L, D)


people (max 18)



upgrades available


British Airways


vehicles





fees included

Porterage at hotels

Weather

Monteverde


A 26 27 28 29 27 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

B 18 18 18 19 19 19 19 18 19 18 18 18

C 130 67 46 53 255 342 302 340 383 423 262 184

Tortuguero


A 29 30 31 32 31 30 30 29 29 29 29 29

B 23 23 24 24 24 23 24 23 23 23 22 22

C 412 257 177 251 338 431 624 463 303 400 600 619




Canopy walkway, Monteverde

Located between the Caribbean Sea and the

Pacific Ocean, the small country of Costa Rica

is one of the most ecologically diverse places

on Earth. This journey explores some of the

major national parks and the astonishing

variety of wildlife and contrasting habitats

found here, including rainforest, cloud forest,

volcanoes, lakes and canals.


View the conical Arenal Volcano from

your hotel

Cruise the canals of Tortuguero and

cross Lake Arenal by boat

Explore forest canopies from the

hanging bridges at Monteverde

Take a boat trip through the Caño

Negro wetlands

Day 5: Arenal

Return to Caño Blanco by boat and drive to

Arenal, visiting La Selva Biological Station

en route. Learn about the scientific and

conservation work of the researchers and

take a short walk in the protected rainforest

surroundings. Stay 2 nights at Arenal Paraiso

(or similar), with views of Arenal Volcano. (B, L)

Day 6: Caño Negro

Full-day tour to Caño Negro, an important

wetland habitat for a range of bird species. (B, L)

Day 7: Lake Arenal • Monteverde

Shared boat across Lake Arenal, taking in

the spectacular views of the lake and its

surroundings. Continue to Monteverde for 2

nights at the Fonda Vela Hotel. Afternoon visit

to the Selvatura Butterfly Garden & Walkways

and explore the treetop canopy from its

hanging bridges. (B)

Day 8: Monteverde

Morning tour of the Monteverde cloud forest,

a habitat for rare flora and fauna, such as the

colourful quetzal bird. Afternoon visit to a

typical family-run farm to learn about coffee

and sugar cane production, followed by a

farewell drink back at your hotel. (B, L)

Day 9: Sarchí • San José

Return to San José via the town of Sarchí,

home to traditional handicrafts and colourfully

painted oxcarts, and final overnight. (B)


Transfer to the airport for a flight to London

with British Airways. (B) (N)



Days 1 & 2: Fly to San José


available) to San José with British Airways.

Transfer to the Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel

for 2 nights and a welcome dinner. In the

morning, visit the volcano of Poas or Irazú to

see its impressive crater and surrounds. (D) (B)

Days 3 & 4: Tortuguero

Shared overland transfer to Caño Blanco on

the Caribbean coast. Cruise through the canals

and backwaters that lead to Tortuguero, looking

for birdlife, monkeys, sloths and other wildlife.

Stay for 2 nights at Mawamba Lodge and enjoy

a full day of shared local excursions. From July

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Manuel Antonio


The smallest of Costa Rica’s national parks,

Manuel Antonio is also one of the most

visited due to the remarkable diversity of its

wildlife. Its rainforest extends right down to

the beautiful beaches where it is possible to

spot monkeys, sloths and armadillos.

Days 9-12: Manuel Antonio

Leave the group in Sarchí and drive to Manuel

Antonio (3.5 hours). Stay 4 nights at the

Parador Resort & Spa with panoramic views

86


REGION

of the ocean, beach and jungle. Days at leisure

or take optional excursions, such as rainforest

walks and boat tours in search of dolphins. (B)

Days 13 &14: Fly to London

Transfer to San José airport (approx 2.5 hours)

for an overnight flight to London with

British Airways. (B) (N)

Tour + Tamarindo


Tamarindo is situated in Guanacaste on the

Pacific coast, with an abundance of sandy

beaches. Nearby Playa Grande is one of

Costa Rica’s most important nesting sites for

endangered leatherback turtles.

Tour + Panama


Explore the colonial heritage of Panama City

and travel along the Panama Canal, one of

the wonders of modern engineering.

Days 9-11: Fly to Panama City

Return to San José and fly to Panama City for

3 nights at the Best Western Plus Panama

Zen. Take a half-day transit on the Panama

Canal and tour colonial Panama. Optional visit

to the Miraflores canal locks or to Soberanía

National Park for some excellent birding. (B)

Days 12-13: Fly to London via Madrid / Miami

arriving the next day (B) (N)

Arenal Volcano


Standard tour: All the lodges are comfortable

but do not always have a wide range of

facilities. The tour also includes some longer

drives on unpaved roads. Some departures are

based on flights with United Airlines via the US.

+

30 Jan 2024 departure is based on alternative

hotels throughout, please enquire for details.







Days 9-11: Tamarindo

Drive from Monteverde to Tamarindo (approx.

3-4 hours). Stay for 3 nights at the Wyndham

Tamarindo with ocean views or upgrade to the

boutique Cala Luna or the beachfront Capitán

Suizo from £315. At leisure or optional turtle

watching (Nov-Mar) or boat trips through the

mangroves. (B)

Days 12-14: San José • London

Transfer to San José by road (approx. 5 hours)

for a final night before your flight to London

with British Airways. (B) (N)

Tour + Corcovado


Fly to Drake Bay and transfer to Aguila de Osa

Lodge for 3 nights on a full-board basis. Take

a local shared excursion to explore Corcovado

National Park and its trails, and a snorkelling

trip to Caño Island.

San Gerardo de Dota + Tour


Transfer to San Gerardo de Dota, a

birdwatcher’s paradise and home to more than

150 bird species including striking quetzals.

Stay for 2 nights and go bird watching in the

surrounding primary forest.


Group tour


Guide price months: Nov


Guide price months: Jan-Apr





Private tour


Guide price months: Sep








Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

+

30 Jan 24 9 Feb 24

08 Feb 24 18 Feb 24

22 Feb 24 03 Mar 24

29 Feb 24 10 Mar 24

07 Mar 24 17 Mar 24

14 Mar 24 24 Mar 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

04 Apr 24 14 Apr 24

07 Nov 24 17 Nov 24

21 Nov 24 01 Dec 24

16 Jan 25 26 Jan 25

23 Jan 25 02 Feb 25

30 Jan 25 09 Feb 25



Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester,

Newcastle or Belfast

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

06 Feb 25 16 Feb 25

13 Feb 25 23 Feb 25

20 Feb 25 02 Mar 25

27 Feb 25 09 Mar 25

06 Mar 25 16 Mar 25

13 Mar 25 23 Mar 25

Tour code: NSR

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sun)

20 Mar 25 30 Mar 25

27 Mar 25 06 Apr 25

03 Apr 25 13 Apr 25

06 Nov 25 16 Nov 25

13 Nov 25 23 Nov 25

20 Nov 25 30 Nov 25




87

LATIN AMERICA • PANAMA & COSTA RICA

Panama & Costa Rica

Experience






people (max 18)




upgrades available



vehicles

Experienced local tour guide in

each country


4 dinners



fees included

Porterage at hotels

Weather

San José, Costa Rica


A 23 24 25 25 25 25 24 24 24 24 24 23

B 15 15 16 16 17 17 17 17 17 17 16 16

C 6 7 9 56 261 296 205 282 372 343 155 36




Both small in size yet possessing a superb

biodiversity, Costa Rica and Panama offer

a wide variety of ecosystems including

volcanoes, rainforest and cloud forest,

lakes, lagoons and beaches. This tour

visits the incredible Panama Canal and a

selection of Costa Rica’s most renowned

national parks.


Walking tour of stunning Manuel

Antonio National Park

Cruise along the Panama Canal

View Arenal Volcano from your hotel

Cruise the canals of Tortuguero

Day 1: Fly to Panama City via the US


available) to Panama City, via the US,

with United Airlines. Transfer to the

Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel for

3 nights. (N)

Day 2: Panama City

Morning city tour including the ruins of old

Panama and the historic colonial district. In

the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a

traditional restaurant. (B, D)

Old Panama City

Day 3: Panama Canal

Take a shared partial transit and cruise through

the various locks of the Panama Canal. (B, L)

Day 4: Fly to San José

Morning flight to San Jose and visit a coffee

plantation on the slopes of the active Poas

Volcano and, subject to volcanic activity, see

its crater lake. Overnight at the Crowne Plaza

Corobici Hotel. (B, L)

Day 5: Tortuguero

Travel by shared overland transfer to Caño

Blanco on the Caribbean coast. Take a

boat ride along the backwaters that lead to

Tortuguero, looking for wildlife en route.

Stay at Pachira Lodge for 2 nights. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Tortuguero

Full day of shared excursions exploring the

tropical forest and waterways. (B, L, D)

Day 7: La Selva Biological Station • Arenal

Return to Caño Blanco by boat and drive

to Arenal. En route, visit La Selva Biological

Station to learn about the scientific and

conservation work of the researchers, and

take a short walk in the protected rainforest

surroundings. Stay 2 nights at Arenal Paraiso

(or similar) with views of Arenal Volcano. (B, L)

Day 8: Arenal

Morning tour of the circuit of trails and

suspension bridges, which allows an up-close

view of the rainforest floor and treetop canopy.

Optional evening visit to the hot springs. (B)

88


REGION

Day 9: Monteverde

Drive along the shores of Lake Arenal, taking

in the spectacular views of the lake and its

surroundings. Continue through the green

mountains to Monteverde and stay 2 nights at

Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar). (B)

Day 10: Monteverde

Morning tour of the Monteverde cloud forest,

a habitat for rare flora and fauna such as the

colourful quetzal bird. Afternoon at leisure or

take one of the optional excursions on offer,

including a visit to the Santa Elena Reserve. (B)



country by a local tour guide.

Standard tour: All the lodges are comfortable,

but do not always have a large range of

facilities. This tour also includes some long

drives on unpaved roads.

Solo Travellers group tours: These small

group tours have been specially created

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

for single travellers. Benefits include single





Optional British Airways flights: It is also

possible to fly into Panama City via Miami /

Madrid and from San Jose direct with British

Airways. Please enquire for supplements.

Day 11: Carara • Tárcoles

Drive to the central Pacific coast and visit

Carara National Park, home to crocodiles,

monkeys and scarlet macaws. Continue to

Tárcoles and stay for 2 nights at the Villa Lapas

Hotel (or similar). (B)

Day 12: Manuel Antonio

Morning visit to Manuel Antonio for a walking

tour of the national park, where the rainforest

extends right down to the beautiful beaches.

This small park is home to a surprising

concentration of wildlife including sloths,

iguanas, endangered squirrel monkeys and

various colourful birds. This evening, enjoy a

farewell dinner at a restaurant near your hotel.

(B, D)


Transfer to San José and fly to London via the

US with United Airlines. (B) (N)




Group tour



United Airlines flight upgrades

Premium Plus from £525 return



Prices on request: United Airlines Houston or

Newark to/from Manchester or Edinburgh





Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

11 Jan 24 24 Jan 24

01 Feb 24 14 Feb 24

07 Mar 24 20 Mar 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

11 Apr 24 24 Apr 24

31 Oct 24 13 Nov 24



Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

23 Jan 25 05 Feb 25

20 Feb 25 05 Mar 25

13 Mar 25 26 Mar 25

Tour code: CSG

Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

03 Apr 25 16 Apr 25

30 Oct 25 12 Nov 25




89

LATIN AMERICA • CENTRAL AMERICA

Splendours of

Central America







people (max 18)



upgrades available



Experienced local tour guide in

each country


Welcome lunch & a farewell dinner


fees included

Porterage at airports

Weather

Panama City


A 30 31 31 32 31 29 30 29 29 29 28 29

B 22 22 23 24 24 23 23 23 22 23 22 22

C 32 13 11 77 263 256 272 265 265 333 311 135

Antigua, Guatemala


A 22 23 24 25 24 23 22 22 22 21 21 21

B 9 10 11 12 12 13 13 13 12 12 11 10

C 3 5 6 28 120 263 194 155 237 141 26 9




Carved stella, Copán, Honduras

Take in the natural and cultural wonders

of Central America, from tropical landscapes

and active volcanoes to colonial heritage

and superb Mayan cities. Gain insight

into the historic civil conflicts and colourful

indigenous cultures of the region, and learn

about the amazing engineering feat that is

the Panama Canal.


Navigate through the locks of the

Panama Canal

Spot wildlife in the cloud forest and

meet early pioneers at Monteverde

Take a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua

and see the molten lava of the active

Masaya volcano at dusk

Explore colonial towns and fascinating

Mayan ruins, including Tikal and Copán

Day 1: Fly to Panama City via the US


available) to Panama City via the US. Transfer

to the Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel

for 3 nights. (N)

Day 2: Panama City

Morning city tour, including the ruins of old

Panama and the historic colonial district,

where you can enjoy a welcome lunch. (B, L)

Day 3: Panama Canal

Take a shared partial transit and cruise

through the locks of the Panama Canal. (B, L)

Day 4: Fly to San José, Costa Rica

Fly to Costa Rica’s capital and visit a coffee

plantation on the slopes of the active Poás

Volcano. Overnight at Hotel Presidente. (B, L)

Days 5 & 6: Monteverde

Transfer to Monteverde and stay for 2 nights

at the Monteverde Country Lodge or similar.

Afternoon visit to the Selvatura’s butterfly

garden and hanging walkways. Next day visit

the Monteverde cloud forest to see its rare

flora and fauna and in the evening meet

up with the family of one of the early local

pioneers for a fascinating conversation. (B)

Day 7: Granada, Nicaragua

Full-day journey across the border into

Nicaragua to the city of Granada, overlooking

Lake Nicaragua (approx 7-8 hours). Stay 2 nights

at Patio de Malinche Hotel (or similar). (B)

Day 8: Granada

Morning tour of the colonial city, including the

Franciscan convent. Take a boat ride through

the canals formed by the small islands in

the lake, which is the tenth largest lake in

the world. Afternoon at leisure before your

evening visit to the Masaya volcano to see its

impressive fluorescent lava from its rim. (B)

Day 9: Fly to El Salvador • Suchitoto

Transfer to Managua and fly to San Salvador,

El Salvador’s capital. Continue to charming

Suchitoto for 1 night at Casa 1800 Suchitoto.

(B)

Day 10: Route of the Flowers

Explore the cobbled streets of Suchitoto, then

transfer to the archaeological site of Joya de

Ceren, known as the ‘Pompeii of the Americas’.

Later, explore cloud forest trails and enjoy

spectacular volcano views en route to the

picturesque Route of the Flowers. Overnight

at Casa 1800 Ataco. (B, L)

Day 11: Copán, Honduras

This morning, visit the traditional artisan town

of Ataco and stop at Santa Ana en route to

Honduras (approximately 10 hours). Stay at the

Hotel Marina Copán for 2 nights. (B, L)

Day 12: Copán

In the morning, tour the fascinating Mayan

ruins of Copán with its intricate and wellpreserved

sculptures. Optional afternoon

tour to a bird sanctuary. (B)

Day 13: Livingston, Guatemala

Cross into Guatemala and on to the Caribbean

90


REGION

coast, visiting the impressive carved stelae at

Quirigua en route (approx. 6 hours). Take a

1.5-hour boat ride along the coast to the town

of Livingston, with its strong Garifuna culture.

Overnight at the Hotel Villa Caribe. (B)

Day 14: Flores

A morning walking tour of Livingston, and a

boat trip along the lush gorges of the Dulce

River to visit Bird Island and an indigenous

community. Continue by road to the Flores

area for a 2-night stay at the lakeside Villa

Maya. (B)

Day 15: Tikal

Morning tour of Tikal, one of the most

spectacular Mayan ruins, located in the heart

of the jungle. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L)

Tour + Belize beach


Ambergris Caye lies off the coast of Belize,

surrounded by the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

Relax on white sandy beaches or swim in calm,

clear waters.

Days 18-20: Fly to Ambergris Caye via Flores

Fly to Belize City, via Flores and on to Ambergris

Caye. Stay for 3 nights at the Portofino Hotel

(beach cabaña), or upgrade to Victoria House

Resort & Spa from £95 per person. At leisure by

the beach or snorkel in the coral reefs. (B)

Days 21 & 22: Fly to London via Belize City &

the US (B) (N)

Granada, Nicaragua



country by an experienced local tour guide.

Standard tour: This tour includes some long

road journeys and is based in 3- and 4-star

hotels where rooms may vary. A flexible

approach is recommended for travel in

Central America.







Days 16 & 17: Fly to Guatemala City •

Antigua

Early morning flight to Guatemala City and

transfer to colonial Antigua for 2 nights at

Mesón de María. Afternoon walking tour.

Following day is at leisure or take optional

excursions and a farewell dinner. (B) (B, D)

Days 18 & 19: Fly to London via the US

Transfer to Guatemala City and fly to London

via the US, arriving the next day. (B) (N)




Group tour






United Airlines flight upgrades

Premium Plus from £575 return


Private tour






Tour code: GCA


Prices on request: United Airlines Houston or

Newark to/from Manchester or Edinburgh

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Lake Atitlán


Stay 2 nights at Porta Hotel del Lago on the

shore of the sapphire-blue lake surrounded

by hills and volcanoes. Take a boat trip to

indigenous Mayan villages and visit the

colourful Chichicastenango Market.





Out (Thu) Rtn (Mon)

18 Jan 24 05 Feb 24

15 Feb 24 04 Mar 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Mon)

07 Mar 24 25 Mar 24

14 Nov 24 02 Dec 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Mon)

16 Jan 25 03 Feb 25

13 Feb 25 03 Mar 25

Out (Thu) Rtn (Mon)

06 Mar 25 24 Mar 25

06 Nov 25 24 Nov 25




91

The Indian

Subcontinent


India is one of the most rewarding travel destinations. It is a place of colourful cities,

exquisite temples, inspiring nature and ever-changing landscapes – from the soaring

Himalaya to the historic desert forts, across national parks where tigers and elephants roam,

down to the golden beaches and tropical waterways. Holidays here feel like an adventure

spanning a continent, rather than one country.

South of India, enveloped in a palm-fringed coastline, lies Sri Lanka – ‘Land of Serendipity’.

This island is replete with ancient ruins, natural beauty and some of the continent’s most

enthralling wildlife. There are few destinations where you can stay in a boutique hotel and

receive first-class service without breaking the bank, yet Sri Lanka offers a superb range of

luxurious and characterful hotels at excellent value for money.

With eight of the world's highest mountains, Nepal is a walker's paradise and offers a melting

pot of different cultures, while deeply spiritual Bhutan is known for its vibrant Buddhist

festivals and fortress-like monasteries. All our Nepal and Bhutan tours are featured on the

Cox & Kings website.

Discover the Indian Subcontinent

94 The Golden Triangle & Rajasthan

96 The Indian Himalaya

97 The Central Plains

110 South India

116 Sri Lanka

Tailor-made journeys

95 Heritage Rajasthan

98 Taste of India

Boutique Rajasthan

99 The Jungle Book: Wildlife of India

Highlights of Kerala

111 Kerala at Leisure

117 Exotic Sri Lanka


100 The Golden Triangle & Shimla

102 Passage through Rajasthan

104 The Grand Tour of India

106 Exotic India • Solo Travellers tour

108 Journey through the

Himalayan Foothills

112 Treasures of Southern India

114 Passage through Kerala

118 Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island

120 Splendours of Sri Lanka •

Solo Travellers tour

Featured on our website:

Bhutan: the Dragon Kingdom









Image left: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, India, as seen on the 'Passage Through Rajasthan' tour, p.102

93

INDIA • GOLDEN TRIANGLE & RAJASTHAN

Discover

The Golden Triangle & Rajasthan

Imposing forts, lavish palaces, desert cities,

tranquil lakes and captivating temples

characterise Rajasthan and the Golden

Triangle. It’s a region that flaunts its regal

past and parades all the brilliant colour

and exoticism associated with the wealth

of the fabled maharajas. Rajasthan lies

largely within the Thar Desert, which – as

part of the Silk Road – was once traversed

by colourful caravans laden with spices, silk

and precious stones. Here the great Rajput

dynasties built mighty fortifications and

beautiful cities such as Jaisalmer. Today,

Rajasthan’s arid countryside is peopled by

Brahmin farmers and weavers, and Raika

shepherds dressed in glorious costumes.

Agra

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal • Colonial walks &

food tours • UNESCO-listed Fatehpur Sikri

Agra is home to India’s most celebrated

attraction, the Taj Mahal, and the stupendous

16th-century Mughal-built Agra Fort, which

encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal

rulers. Completed by Emperor Shah Jahan in

1653 in memory of his late wife, the Taj Mahal

took 20 years to build; it is justifiably lauded as

the world’s greatest monument to love. Sunrise

and sunset are magical times to visit.

Jaipur

Exquisite arts and crafts • Amber Fort by night

Taj Mahal, Agra

Fatehpur Sikri occupies a rocky crest some

40km to the south-west of Agra. Once the

imperial capital of Akbar the Great, the

city’s wonderfully preserved collection of

monuments provides a remarkable insight into

the daily life of the 16th-century Mughal court.

Jaipur was founded in 1727, and UNESCO

inscribed it on the list of World Heritage Sites in

2019. Popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ due to

the colour of its stone buildings, Jaipur’s prime

attraction is the sprawling palace complex, still

home to the current maharajah. It includes

a fascinating museum of the maharajahs’

lavish possessions as well as the Jantar Mantar

astronomical observatory. Jaipur is also a

delight for those seeking traditional Indian

crafts, including jewellery, silver and silk.

Just outside the city, Amber Fort exquisitely

blends many Mughal influences in addition

to traditional Rajput designs. The Sheesh

Mahal, or ‘mirror palace’, with its ornate mirror

mosaics, is undoubtedly a highlight.

City Palace, Jaipur

94


Ranthambore

Detail of the City Palace, Udaipur,

Bengal tigers & other wildlife • 300 bird

species

Today an exemplar of tiger conservation,

Ranthambore National Park was once

the private hunting ground of royalty. It is

named after the 10th-century, UNESCOlisted

Ranthambore Fort, which lies within its

boundaries. The park now covers an area of

400 sq km and is most famous for its growing

Bengal tiger population, numbering more than

80 individuals. Ranthambore is also home to a

large variety of other animals including sambar

deer, chital, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears and

leopards. There is much to draw birdwatchers,

too, as it is a habitat for more than 300 species

of bird.

The most comfortable time to visit

Ranthambore is between October and March

– the cooler, less humid months – though

summer can promise more tiger sightings.

Udaipur

Rural cycle rides • High tea with the locals •

Kumbhalgarh, the ‘Great Wall of India’

Situated on the shores of Lake Pichola, Udaipur

is undeniably one of India’s most romantic

settings. As capital of the old Mewar state,

it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold

its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim

invasion. From the late 16th century, peace

brought about an era of renaissance in the

arts and encouraged the building of beautiful

palaces and attractive gardens around

the lake.

The surrounding area is dotted with treasures,

including the 500-year-old Jain temples at

Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh. Known as the

‘Great Wall of India’, Kumbhalgarh is one of

the finest examples of defensive fortification

in Rajasthan, a site dominated by majestic

watchtowers and exquisite stepwells, as well as

thriving wildlife.

Bengal tiger, Ranthambore National Park

Experiences in

Rajasthan

Food trail, Agra

On the streets of Agra, you’ll find some

of India’s most delectable chaats (savoury

snacks). Take part in a carefully curated

chaat-crawl, visiting celebrated food stalls

in a tour designed to deliver gastronomic

satisfaction. This is a safe and hygienic way

to sample the best of Indian street food.

High tea in the desert, Jaisalmer

Drive out of Jaisalmer to the Great Thar

desert in time to catch the last rays of

the setting sun. Find the perfect spot to

watch the sun slowly sink over the rippling

dunes. As you watch the sky and sand fuse

in red, gold and orange hues, feast on an

exquisite high tea. Gourmet delicacies are

served alongside warming cups of perfectly

brewed tea or coffee.

Champagne sunset tour of

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

As twilight descends on this historic fort,

join the Mehrangarh Museum curator for

a guided tour of the site’s architectural

highlights, artworks and richly decorated

interiors. The rugged, impregnable walls

and delicate palaces will come alive as you

hear tales of sacrifice and extraordinary

adventure.

Train ride through the Aravalli

Mountain Range

Take a heritage rail journey from Khamil

Ghat to Phulad on a narrow-gauge

train through the spectacular Aravalli

Mountains. You’ll pass waterfalls and travel

through tunnels, in an area that inspired

Rudyard Kipling’s The Man Who Would be

King. If you’re lucky, you may even spot

langurs, peacocks and deer.

Suggested itinerary

Heritage Rajasthan

17 days & 15 nights



Journey back to a bygone era of pomp and

luxury, experiencing the opulence of the

royal houses of Deogarh, Jodhpur, Udaipur,

Jaipur and the colonial jewel of Delhi.

Days 1-4: Delhi & Agra

Fly to Delhi and stay at the Oberoi Maidens

for 3 nights. Take a walking tour of Old

and New Delhi including the Red Fort and

Rashtrapati Bhavan. Ride the train to Agra for

a visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. (B)

Days 5 & 6: Jaipur

Fly to Jaipur and stay 2 nights at the restored

Royal Heritage Haveli. There is time to

explore independently; and you’ll also visit

Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar

Observatory, and local bazaars. (B)

Day 7: Barli

Drive to Barli for an overnight stay at the

16th-century Fort Barli where you’ll get a feel

for Rajasthan’s history. (B)

Days 8 & 9: Jodhpur

Visit Barli’s local market, rural homes and

cenotaphs before driving to Jodhpur for 2

nights at the strikingly located RAAS Jodhpur.

Visit Mehrangarh Fort and enjoy time at

leisure. (B)

Day 10: Ranakpur & Narlai

Visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur before

continuing to Narlai for an overnight stay

at Rawla Narlai and dinner in the candlelit

stepwell. (B, D).

Days 11 & 12: Deogarh

Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort then continue to

Deogarh for 2 nights at the heritage home of

Dev Shree. The next day is at leisure, or take

a scenic train ride or 4x4 village ‘safari’. (B)

Days 13-15: Udaipur

See the Nathdwara Temples en route to

Udaipur. Stay 3 nights at the Fateh Prakash

Palace, right on the shores of Lake Pichola.

Explore the magnificent City Palace and the

Art & Frames Gallery. (B)

Days 16 & 17: Delhi & Fly Home

Fly to Delhi for a night at the Pullman

Aerocity before flying home the next day. (B)

Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5073



95

INDIA • INDIAN HIMALAYA

Discover the Indian Himalaya

With dense forests, echoing ravines and vast

panoramas of some of the highest peaks

in the world, the Indian Himalaya possess

an intense natural beauty and spirituality.

Cultural variety abounds and nowhere is

this more apparent than in the magnificent

Sikh temple at Amritsar. Sacked by the

Afghans in 1761, the shrine was rebuilt by

Maharajah Ranjit Singh whose donation of

the gold dome, gilded with 100kg of pure

gold, earned the shrine its moniker, the

Golden Temple. Every evening it is magically

lit up for the Palki Sahib ceremony.

Experiences in the

Indian Himalaya

Shimla

Toy train, Shimla

Summer capital of the British Raj • Colourful

markets • Mountain railway toy train

Set amid evergreen forests and snow-capped

peaks, the hill station of Shimla was once the

summer capital of the British Raj. Echoes of

its colonial past can be seen along the main

promenade. Here, half-timbered houses,

churches and stately buildings including the

Post Offce and restored gothic Gaiety Theatre

rub shoulders with the colourful market, Lakkar

Bazaar. Shimla’s ornate Viceregal Lodge, with its

magnificent botanical gardens, was the former

residence of the British viceroy Lord Dufferin

and remained the seat of colonial power during

the summer months until the 1940s.

Dharamsala

Buddhist Wheel of the Law, Mcleod Ganj

Home of the Dalai Lama • Tibetan culture •

Gentle walks in the Himalayan foothills

Once a hill station where the British escaped

the summer heat of the plains, Dharamsala is

renowned as the home of the Dalai Lama and

the Tibetan government in exile. McLeod Ganj

lies at its centre, a charming Tibetan settlement

with many interesting shops selling local crafts.

It offers a wealth of activities, from gentle

walks to cookery classes, all set against the

backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountain range.

The Norbulingka Institute preserves traditional

Tibetan art and the nuns at Thosamling

Nunnery are happy to explain the Tibetan

Buddhist traditions which they follow.

Kangra Valley

Himalayan scenery • Scenic mountain railway

Sunset Wagah ceremony, Amritsar

Every day at sunset, the border guards of

India and Pakistan assemble for the border

closing ceremony. Each army parades

in an immaculately turned out display

of synchronised marching and bellowed

military commands. The ritual ends as the

sun goes down, the flag of each country is

lowered and the gates are slammed shut.

Toy train to Shimla

The toy trains to Shimla offer stupendous

views of the Himalayan scenery as they

wind their way steeply upwards on the

narrow track. Built to transport the British

from the heat of the summer plains to

cooler climes, the railway passes through

rugged mountains and pine forests. For

the best views, sit on the right-hand side

when travelling to Shimla.

Spiritual tour of Haridwar

According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is

the holiest of all places and pilgrims arrive

here daily to bathe in the sacred Ganges.

A tour of the key temples culminates at the

sacred Har-ki-Pauri ghat (waterfront steps)

where thread ceremonies, holy dips and

the evening aarti ritual take place to the

accompaniment of music, chanting and the

waft of incense carried on the wind.

Kangra Fort, near Pragpur

The medieval village of Pragpur is an idyllic

base from which to explore the breathtaking

Kangra Valley. The surrounding countryside

offers many opportunities for walks, bicycle

rides and birdwatching. Local sights include

the ruins of the regal Kangra Fort and the

elaborate carvings of the Bajreshwari temples.

The section of the local Kangra railway,

between Baijnath and Nagrota, is the most

scenic stretch of the line.

Picnic in the Kullu Valley, Manali

Spend a leisurely day in the spectacular

valley of Manali, tucking into a delicious

alfresco lunch surrounded by high peaks,

pine forests, meadows and apple orchards.

Take a walk through the picturesque

scenery, passing quaint villages and old

Kullu-style temples along the way.

96


CENTRAL PLAINS • INDIA

Discover the Central Plains

Together Lucknow, Varanasi and Khajuraho

offer the diversity of experiences for which

India is known. Distinct in character, they

have been the backdrop to many significant

events, including the Indian mutiny in

Lucknow and Buddha’s first sermon near

Varanasi. The region is home to magnificent

historical sites including the Bibi-ka-

Maqbara tomb, splendid forts and palaces

at Mandu and Ahilya, holy cities such as

Ujjain as well as fabulous cave paintings.

To experience the country’s rich wildlife,

visit the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Experiences in

Central India

Varanasi

Aarti ceremony, Varanasi

Hindu centre of pilgrimage • Sacred Ganges

River • Evening Ganga aarti ceremony

Set on the banks of the sacred Ganges,

Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world

and the holiest of all for devout Hindus. It is

believed that bathing in the river will purge

all sins and, for many Hindus, Varanasi is

regarded as the place that provides salvation

and enlightenment. An early morning boat

ride or walk along the riverside ghats offers a

glimpse of the city’s spiritual significance, with

pilgrims performing their ablutions and other

rituals, funeral pyres blazing on the steps,

incense wafting through the air and music

chiming all around.

Indian roller, Bandhavgarh National Park

Lucknow

Asafi Imambara, Lucknow

Remnants of the Raj • Unique Indo-Persian

culture • Distinct cuisine with a fusion of styles

Rudyard Kipling said in his novel Kim that

“there is no city – except Bombay, the queen

of all – more beautiful in her garish style than

Lucknow”. The city rose to prominence during

the 1857 Indian mutiny, when it saw fierce

fighting between British and Indian forces.

The Raj era bequeathed Lucknow many fine

colonial monuments, including the former

Residency and La Martiniére College.

However, it was under the Muslim Nawabs

of Oudh (Awadh) in the 18th century that

Lucknow reached its apogee as a political and

cultural centre.

Bandhavgarh National Park

High density of tigers • 250 bird species

Bandhavgarh has one of the highest densities of

tigers in the country. Once the hunting preserve

of the maharajahs of Rewa, the reserve’s open

terrain features large grassland meadows,

which offer good chances of tiger sightings.

The park is home to a variety of other

mammals, including leopards, Indian bison,

hyenas and wild dogs. It is estimated that

250 bird species can be found here, including

migratory steppe eagles that arrive in winter.

Indian Rebellion tour, Lucknow

Lucknow played a significant part in

the Indian Rebellion that took place in

northern India in 1857. On a specialist

tour designed to develop an understanding

of the siege, explore the key sites and

follow the paths trodden by Sir Henry

Havelock, Sir James Outram and

Colin Campbell.

Musical culture of Varanasi

Visit Kabir Chaura, a neighbourhood

where the foundations of the Benaras

Gharana musical movement were laid.

Workshops showcase the multiple styles

of Banarasi music, different ragas, Indian

classical instruments and the musical

history of Varanasi including the birth of

Benaras Gharana.

Sleep under the stars in Pench

Emulate the farmers who slept under the

stars to protect their crops by spending

the night in a machaan (a four-poster bed

set on a platform). Lit by lanterns, you

can marvel at the overhead stars and

passing animals and birds in a truly unique

wilderness experience.

Gwalior Fort

The eighth-century Gwalior Fort was

described by the Mughal emperor Babur

as “the pearl in the necklace of the forts

of Hind”. Today, the splendour of

Gwalior lives on in the fort as well as in

the Jai Vilas Palace, featuring exquisitely

carved temples and resounding with the

ragas of Tansen – the renowned musician

whose tomb makes for a worthwhile visit.


97

INDIA • TAILOR-MADE JOURNEYS

Tailor-made itineraries

Taj Mahal, Agra

Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taste of India

Duration • 9 Days & 7 Nights

Private tour • From £2,315


Spend a week soaking up the sights and sounds of India’s famed

Golden Triangle. You begin in the lively capital, touring both Old

and New Delhi. Continue to Agra and its awe-inspiring Mughal

architecture, including the Taj Mahal – which you see in the soft

glow of sunrise. Then explore the deserted sandstone city of

Fatehpur Sikri, and the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur.

Day 1: Fly to Delhi (N)

Days 2 & 3: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to The Claridges for a 2-night stay. The

following day, embark on a guided tour of Old and New Delhi including

the imposing Jama Masjid mosque, the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma

Gandhi, and the 12th-century minaret of Qutb Minar. (B, D)

Days 4 & 5: Agra

Take the train to Agra and transfer to the Trident Hotel. Visit the

impressive, red-sandstone Agra Fort, which encloses a number of

palaces. Then witness the Mughal-era masterpiece that is the Taj

Mahal, commissioned by Shah Jahan in honour of his late wife. (B, D)

Days 6 & 7: Jaipur

Visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, then drive to Jaipur and

the Royal Heritage Haveli, a former royal residence, for a 2-night

stay. Tour the Amber Fort, the City Palace, and the Jantar Mantar

Observatory. Wander the colourful bazaars in the evening. (B, D)

Day 8: Delhi

Drive back to Delhi and stay overnight at the Novotel Aerocity. (B, D)

Day 9: Fly home (B)

Meal basis: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Tailor-made travel: For a price quote based on alternative

accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this

itinerary, please call 020 3930 5073 or email Info@CoxandKings.co.uk

Boutique Rajasthan



Category • Luxury

Explore Rajasthan’s most captivating sights, visit quaint local villages

and relax in the wilderness in breathtaking rural locations and

luxury tented accommodation where leopards roam wild and free.


Days 2 & 3: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to Haveli Dharampura, a beautifully

restored haveli in Old Delhi, for 2 nights. The following day, explore

lesser-known sights. (B)

Days 4 & 5: Jaipur

Travel to Alila Fort Bishangarh, a unique heritage fortress. Your

following day is at leisure, or visit the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. (B)

Days 6-8: Nimaj

Travel to RAAS Chhatrasagar for 3 nights in luxury tented camps

perched on the dam of a reservoir. Activities include farm or village

tours, sunrise birdwatching trips and visits to Jodhpur and Mehrangarh

Fort. (B, L, D)

Days 9 & 10: Jawai Leopard Camp

Stay 2 nights in the remote Rajasthani wilderness. Morning and

afternoon 4x4 safaris to seek the leopards which roam this

extraordinary landscape. (B, L, D)

Days 11 & 12: Devigarh

Stay 2 nights at the RAAS Devigarh, nestled in the Aravalli Hills of

Udaipur. Relax or explore Delwara village, the temple complexes

at Nathdwara and Eklingji, or the lakeside town of Udaipur and its

magnificent City Palace. (B)

Day 13: Delhi

Fly to Delhi and stay overnight at The Claridges. (B)

Day 14: Fly home (B)








Guide price month: May-Sep


Guide price month: Oct-Dec


Guide price month: Apr-Sep


Guide price month: Oct-Dec

The guideline tour prices are all per person in pound sterling, based on two people

sharing a twin / double room. For up-to-date prices on all departure dates, please visit

our website. All prices are subject to availability.




98


Bengal tiger, Ranthambore

Munnar, Kerala

The Jungle Book: Wildlife of India




Travel into the heart of Kipling’s India and follow the trail of the

Royal Bengal tiger. Embark on safari drives in the national parks of

Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench, guided by expert naturalists.


Day 2: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to The Claridges for 1 night. (B)

Days 3-5: Bandhavgarh

Fly to Jabalpur and drive to Bandhavgarh for 3 nights at Bandhav Vilas.

You’ll have two full days of wildlife viewing. Famous for its tigers,

the park is also home to chousingha, wild boars and elusive leopards.

(B, L, D)

Days 6-8: Kanha

One of the inspirations for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Kanha is

a former hunting ground for high-ranking British army offcers. There

is a wide variety of wildlife here including tigers, leopards, and langur

monkeys. Stay for 3 nights at Chitvan Jungle Lodge. (B, L, D)

Days 9 & 10: Pench

Drive to Pench tiger reserve for 2 nights at Pench Jungle Camp.

Enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing. Sambar deer and nilgai antelope

are regularly seen grazing here, and – with luck on your side – you may

spot Bengal tigers prowling or lazing amid the long grass. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Mumbai

Drive to Nagpur and fly to Mumbai. Stay overnight at Trident Nariman

Point. (B)






Highlights of Kerala




A striking contrast to other regions of India, tropical Kerala is the

ultimate destination for relaxation. Explore the highlights before a

three-night stay on the beautiful Keralan coastline.

Day 1: Fly to Kochi (N)

Days 2 & 3 Kochi

Arrive in Kochi and transfer to the Eighth Bastion for 2 nights.

Following day, explore the highlights of this multi-cultural city,

including the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and Mattancherry

Palace. Evening Kathakali dance performance. (B)

Days 4 & 5: Munnar

Travel to Munnar and stay 2 nights at the Windermere Estate. Enjoy

a guided walk through the estate, taking in the mountain scenery and

surrounding plantation. (B, D)

Days 6 & 7: Thekkady

Drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady, where you’ll stay for

2 nights at Spice Village, nestled in the forest. Take a walk through

a spice plantation, then through Periyar National Park in search of

indigenous flora and fauna. (B)

Days 8 & 9: Keralan backwaters

Travel to Kerala’s serene backwaters and spend 2 nights at Coconut

Lagoon. Explore the narrow canals in a shikara boat. (B)

Day 10: Keralan backwaters

Board a traditional Keralan houseboat and cruise through Kerala’s

famous canals and waterways. Enjoy Keralan cuisine on board. (B, L, D)

Days 11-13: Mararikulam

Relax with 3 nights at Marari Beach Resort, located beside the warm

waters of the Indian Ocean and a wide, golden beach. (B)









Guide price month: May-Jun


Guide price month: Jan-Mar


Guide price month: May-Sep


Guide price month: Jan-Apr








99

INDIA • RAJASTHAN & THE NORTH

The Golden Triangle

& Shimla







people (max 18)

Weather

Agra



upgrades available


Virgin Atlantic

Express train travel in airconditioned

executive class


vehicles

Ride in air-conditioned vista-dome

carriages which give great views of

the surrounding landscape




fees included

Porterage at hotels & train stations

Free day in Jaipur & Shimla for

independent exploration


A 22 25 32 38 41 41 35 33 34 34 29 24

B 8 10 16 22 26 28 27 26 25 19 13 8

C 12 11 10 6 13 52 205 270 125 22 5 6




Experience a taste of India on this outstanding

introductory tour of the country’s most

celebrated sights. Exploring the Golden Triangle,

this journey combines imperial Delhi with the

legendary Taj Mahal at Agra and a three-night

stay in the princely city of Jaipur, culminating in

the beautiful hill station of Shimla.


Explore Jaipur while staying in a

maharajah’s former hunting lodge

Watch the sun set over the Taj Mahal

from Mehtab Bagh gardens

Ride the toy train to Shimla in

vista-dome carriages

Dine with views over Old Delhi

Day 1: Fly to Delhi


connections available) to Delhi with Virgin

Atlantic. (N)

Day 2: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Taj Palace

for 1 night. Leisurely afternoon tour visiting

the Jama Masjid mosque and exploring

the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi by

cycle rickshaw. Welcome dinner at Haveli

Dharampura, enjoy a dance performance,

and take in views of the Red Fort and

Jama Masjid from the upper terrace. (D)

Day 3: New Delhi • Agra

Tour of New Delhi, including a drive past

India Gate and the former viceregal residence.

Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, and the

Qutb Minar tower. Drive to Agra and stay

at the Trident Agra for 2 nights. (B, D)

Taj Mahal, Agra

Day 4: Agra

Sunrise visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal

before exploring the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah

and Agra Fort. Visit Mehtab Bagh (‘Moonlight

Garden’), for sunset over the Taj Mahal. (B, D)

Day 5: Fatehpur Sikri • Jaipur

Continue to Jaipur via the deserted sandstone

city of Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri stepwell.

En route, enjoy lunch at the lavish Laxmi Vilas

Palace. Stay 3 nights at Ramgarh Lodge, a

maharajah's former hunting lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Jaipur

Morning visit to Amber Fort and the Anokhi

Museum. Afternoon visit to the striking City

Palace, home of the present maharajah and

the curious Jantar Mantar observatory. (B, D)

Day 7: Jaipur

A day at leisure to relax. Explore Jaipur’s

many bazaars or choose from the range of

optional activities including a sunrise balloon

ride † . (B, D)

Day 8: Chandigarh

Explore the Birla Mandir Temple before flying

to Chandigarh. Selected as the new capital of

Punjab in 1948, Chandigarh was designed by

Swiss architect Le Corbusier and completed

in the early 1960s. Stay for 1 night at the

Taj Chandigarh. (B)

Day 9: Shimla

Take the early morning Him Darshan narrowgauge

toy train to Shimla, passing through

stunning mountains. Enjoy the panoramic

views from the vistadome carriages, which

have windows on the ceiling. Stay 3 nights

at the Oberoi Cecil in Shimla, the British

summer capital during the Raj era. Upgrade

to a Premier Valley View room from £165 per

person for 3 nights. (B, D)

100


REGION

Shimla

Day 10: Shimla

Explore the historic mall and listen to the

stories of its many colonial buildings while

making your way to the Viceregal Lodge. (B, D)

Day 11: Shimla

Day at leisure. Option to explore Shimla on a

nature walk from the house where Rudyard

Kipling wrote Plain Tales from the Hills to the

gallery of a Shimla painter. Alternatively,

enjoy afternoon tea at the Oberoi Wildflower

Hall, or visit the former princely state of

Dhami to spend the day with its noble family,

birdwatching and enjoying their stories over

lunch. † (B, D)

Day 12: Delhi

Drive to Chandigarh and connect with the

midday train to Delhi. Stay overnight at the

Taj Palace and enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, L * , D)


Fly to London with Virgin Atlantic. (B)


L: Lunch, L * : Packed lunch, D: Dinner,

N: No meals.

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Amritsar extension


Spend time in Amritsar, staying at the 5-star

Taj Swarna Hotel, to visit the sacred Golden

Temple and observe the elaborate retreat

ceremony at Wagah on the India-Pakistan

border. See page 96 for more information.


†

Optional activities: These activities can be

pre-booked or booked locally and incur an

additional charge. Please speak to one of our

travel consultants for further details.


Group tour




Guide price months: Oct-Nov


Virgin Atlantic flight upgrades

Premium Economy from £325 return

Upper Class from £2,775 return







Private tour


Guide price months: Feb-Mar





Prices on request





Out (Fri) Rtn (Wed)

01 Mar 24 13 Mar 24

08 Mar 24 20 Mar 24

22 Mar 24 03 Apr 24

04 Oct 24 16 Oct 24

11 Oct 24 23 Oct 24

18 Oct 24 30 Oct 24

25 Oct 24 06 Nov 24

Out (Fri) Rtn (Wed)

01 Nov 24 13 Nov 24

08 Nov 24 20 Nov 24

15 Nov 24 27 Nov 24

22 Nov 24 04 Dec 24

07 Feb 25 19 Feb 25

14 Feb 25 26 Feb 25

21 Feb 25 05 Mar 25

Out (Fri) Rtn (Wed)

28 Feb 25 12 Mar 25

07 Mar 25 19 Mar 25

14 Mar 25 26 Mar 25

21 Mar 25 02 Apr 25

03 Oct 25 15 Oct 25

10 Oct 25 22 Oct 25

17 Oct 25 29 Oct 25

Tour code: IGT

Out (Fri) Rtn (Wed)

24 Oct 25 05 Nov 25

07 Nov 25 19 Nov 25

14 Nov 25 26 Nov 25

21 Nov 25 03 Dec 25

28 Nov 25 10 Dec 25

Guaranteed departures: for departure dates that have reached the minimum number of guests,

and are therefore guaranteed to run, please visit online and refer to the tour’s Dates & Prices grid.


101


Passage through

Rajasthan







people (max 18)



upgrades available


Virgin Atlantic

Internal flights in India


vehicles



2 included 4x4 safaris in

Ranthambore National Park

Guided sightseeing

All entrance fees included


Balanced pace

Weather

Jaipur


A 22 25 31 36 40 39 34 32 33 34 29 24

B 7 10 15 21 25 27 25 24 23 19 13 8

C 6 10 5 4 18 51 213 227 80 12 8 3




Blue city of Jodhpur

The princely state of Rajasthan is India at

its colourful best. Following a tour of the

imperial sights of Mumbai (Bombay), travel

through the heart of Rajasthan exploring

magnificent forts and ornate palaces,

finishing at the astounding Taj Mahal.


Dine on typical Mewari cuisine on the

terrace of a historic fort

Take a scenic rail ride through

rural Rajasthan

Enjoy two 4x4 safaris in Ranthambore

National Park

Watch the sun set behind the sand

dunes of the Great Thar Desert

Stay in grand forts and palaces

Day 1: Fly to Mumbai

Direct flight from London (regional connections

available) to Mumbai (Bombay) with Virgin

Atlantic. (N)

Day 2: Mumbai

Arrive and transfer to the Trident Nariman

Point for 1 night. Afternoon sightseeing in

Mumbai visiting the imposing Gateway of India,

colourful Chor Bazaar, Dhobi Ghat and Victoria

Terminus. (N)

Day 3: Fly to Udaipur

Fly to Udaipur. Stay for 2 nights at Fateh Niwas

Palace. Enjoy a welcome dinner at Ambrai

restaurant overlooking Lake Pichola. (B, D)

Day 4: Udaipur

Sightseeing in Udaipur visiting the City Palace,

miniature painting studios and Jagdish temple.

Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Pichola. Evening

cultural performance at Bagore-ki-Haveli. (B)

Day 5: Ranakpur • Deogarh

Travel to Deogarh, visiting the magnificent Jain

temples at Ranakpur en route. Spend 2 nights

at Deogarh Mahal, a former palace and now

a superb heritage hotel. Late afternoon village

walk. (B, D)

Day 6: Deogarh

Day at leisure or choose from optional activities,

including a 4x4 cultural safari to local villages, a

gentle walk with a picnic, or an Indian cooking

class * . This evening, dine on typical Mewari

cuisine on the hotel terrace. (B, D)

Day 7: Jodhpur

Take a scenic 1.5-hour rural train ride from

Khamil Ghat to Phulad. The train chugs

through tunnels and past waterfalls in an

area that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s story

The Man Who Would Be King. Continue by road

to Jodhpur for 2 nights at Ajit Bhawan,

a heritage palace turned resort. (B)

Day 8: Jodhpur

Visit Jaswant Thada and continue to the

formidable Mehrangarh Fort. Take a heritage

walk through the streets dotted with temples

and bazaars and learn more about the

'Blue City' Brahmins. (B)

Day 9: Bikaner

Drive to Bikaner in the heart of the Thar Desert

for an overnight stay at the Narendra Bhawan,

a grand residence that was home to the last

reigning maharajah of Bikaner. Late afternoon,

embark on a 4x4 safari into the desert to

witness the spectacular sunset over the

dunes accompanied by Indian high tea. (B)

Day 10: Bikaner • Jaipur

Visit Junagarh Fort and walk through the old

city. Later, drive to the royal city of Jaipur.

En route, visit the town of Fatehpur and its

‘open-air gallery’ of beautiful havelis. Transfer

to the Devi Ratn Hotel for a 2-night stay.

Based on the design of the famous Jantar

Mantar astronomical observatory, Devi Ratn

is a contemporary hotel with traditional

Jaipuri features and beautiful views over the

surrounding Aravalli Hills. (B, D)

Day 11: Jaipur

Start the day with a visit to the 16th-century

Amber Fort. Spend the rest of the day

exploring the royal city of Jaipur, including the

City Palace, Jantar Mantar observatory and

colourful bazaars. (B)

102


Day 12: Ranthambore National Park

Travel to Ranthambore for 2 nights at Dev

Vilas. Afternoon safari † in Ranthambore. (B, D)

Day 13: Ranthambore National Park

Early morning safari † in search of Bengal tigers.

Afternoon at leisure or visit Ranthambore Fort

and the NGO-supported Dastkar foundation,

where local women produce handicrafts. *

(B, L, D)


*



additional cost.

†

Ranthambore safaris: This safari will

be conducted by 4x4 and not canters (opentop

buses).

Amber Fort, Jaipur







Day 14: Fatehpur Sikri • Agra

Morning drive to Agra, visiting the deserted

sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri en route,

and enjoy a farewell lunch at the lavish Laxmi

Vilas Palace. Overnight at the Trident Hotel

Agra. (B, L)


Group tour


Guide price month: Jan

Private tour



Tour code: PTR

Day 15: Agra • Delhi

Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Visit Agra Fort

before departing for Delhi and an overnight

stay at Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka. Tonight,

say goodbye to your group with a farewell

drink. (B)


Transfer to the airport for the Virgin Atlantic

flight to London. (B)




Guide price months: Mar & Oct










Guide price month: Feb



Prices on request

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Delhi extension

1 day & 1 night from £245

Out (Thu) Rtn (Fri)

25 Jan 24 09 Feb 24

08 Feb 24 23 Feb 24

15 Feb 24 01 Mar 24

22 Feb 24 08 Mar 24

29 Feb 24 15 Mar 24

07 Mar 24 22 Mar 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Fri)

14 Mar 24 29 Mar 24

17 Oct 24 01 Nov 24

24 Oct 24 08 Nov 24

31 Oct 24 15 Nov 24

07 Nov 24 22 Nov 24

14 Nov 24 29 Nov 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Fri)

23 Jan 25 07 Feb 25

06 Feb 25 21 Feb 25

13 Feb 25 28 Feb 25

20 Feb 25 07 Mar 25

27 Feb 25 14 Mar 25

06 Mar 25 21 Mar 25

Out (Thu) Rtn (Fri)

13 Mar 25 28 Mar 25

16 Oct 25 31 Oct 25

23 Oct 25 07 Nov 25

30 Oct 25 14 Nov 25

06 Nov 25 21 Nov 25

20 Nov 25 05 Dec 25

Stay an additional night in Delhi and take a

half-day tour of New Delhi including Humayun’s

tomb and the magnificent Qutab Minar.




103


The Grand Tour

of India







people (max 18)



upgrades available

International flights with British

Airways

Internal flights in India with 20kg

luggage allowance




6 dinners

All entrance fees & sightseeing

included

2 included wildlife safaris by 4x4


Festival departures

Weather

Varanasi


A 24 27 33 39 41 40 34 33 34 33 30 25

B 9 12 16 22 26 27 26 26 25 21 14 10

C 19 12 9 4 13 97 296 290 209 36 11 4




Explore the diverse cultural influences that

have created the fascinating heritage of

India. This tour encompasses holy cities,

the resplendent Taj Mahal, Jodhpur’s bluewashed

houses, and the beautiful lakes

and palaces of Udaipur. Go in search of the

elusive Royal Bengal tiger and extend your

journey in the idyllic backwaters of Kerala.


Evening Palki Sahib ceremony at the

Golden Temple in Amritsar

Explore Varanasi’s hidden alleys and

markets

Dine in a regal palace

Take part in Holi celebrations at the

Maharajah’s Palace, Udaipur

Stay in a former fort to explore

rural Rajasthan

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Amritsar via Delhi


available) to Amritsar, via Delhi, with British

Airways. Transfer to Taj Swarna for 2 nights.

Visit the Golden Temple for the auspicious

Palki Sahib night ceremony. A welcome dinner

will be held this evening. (N) (D)

Day 3: Amritsar • Wagah

Morning visit to the Golden Temple and its

vast community kitchen (langar). Weave your

way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with

colonial architectural features, before arriving

at the Jalebiwala Chowk with its jalebi shop

selling delicious sticky sweets. Late afternoon

visit to Wagah, for the unmissable Changing of

the Guard ceremony. (B)

Day 4: Fly to Varanasi via Delhi

Morning flight to Varanasi for an overnight

Varanasi

stay at the Taj Ganges. This evening, visit

the Dasaswamedh ghats (stepped wharfs) to

witness the magical aarti ceremony from a

boat on the Ganges. On the 12 November 2024

and 2 November 2025 departures, enjoy the

Dev Diwali celebrations, when the steps of the

ghats are lit with more than a million earthen

lamps. (B)

Day 5: Varanasi • Fly to Delhi

Early morning sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.

Walking tour of Varanasi’s hidden alleys,

paan bazaar, craftsmen colony and the spice,

jewellery and flower markets. Take an evening

flight to Delhi for a 2-night stay at the Taj

Palace. (B)

Day 6: Old & New Delhi

Morning tour of Old Delhi including a drive

past the Red Fort, visit to the Jama Masjid

mosque, and walking tour. Afternoon tour of

New Delhi including a drive past India Gate

and the viceregal residence, before visiting

Qutb Minar and the tomb of Mughal Emperor,

Humayun. (B)

Day 7: Agra

Take the Gatimaan Express train to Agra for an

overnight stay at Trident Agra. Afternoon visit

to the huge Agra Fort. This evening, visit the

Taj Mahal bathed in golden light as the

sun sets. (B)

Day 8: Fatehpur Sikri • Ranthambore

Visit Mehtab Bagh Gardens to see the Taj

Mahal in the golden hour of sunrise. Drive

to Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted 16th-century

sandstone city. Continue to Bharatpur for

lunch at the regal Laxmi Vilas Palace before a

train ride to Sawai Madhopur. Transfer to

Dev Vilas for 2 nights. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Ranthambore

Early morning and late afternoon wildlife

viewing on a 4x4 safari drive. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Jaipur

Morning drive to Jaipur to stay at the Devi

Ratn Hotel for 2 nights. Based on the design

of the famous Jantar Mantar astronomical

observatory, Devi Ratn is a contemporary hotel

with traditional Jaipuri features and beautiful

views over the surrounding Aravalli Hills.

Afternoon at leisure. Evening aarti ceremony at

a local Hindu temple. (B)

Day 11: Jaipur

Morning tour of the ancient palace of Amber

Fort. Afternoon visit to the City Palace and

Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. (B)

Day 12: Jodhpur • Rohet

Drive to Jodhpur. Visit the magnificent

104


REGION

Golden Temple, Amritsar

Mehrangarh Fort and wander through the

streets of blue-washed Brahmin houses. Stay

at Rohet Garh, a family-run former fort, for 2

nights. (B, D)

Day 13: Bishnoi tribal villages

Day at leisure. Optional 4x4 safari to visit the

Bishnoi tribal village. * (B, D)

Day 14: Ranakpur • Udaipur

Drive to the lake city of Udaipur, visiting

the exquisite Jain temples at Ranakpur en

route. Stay at the Trident Udaipur for 2

nights. (B)

Day 15: Udaipur

Morning tour of the City Palace and a miniature

painting studio. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure

followed by a farewell dinner. Evening Bagoreki-Haveli

cultural show. Holi festival departures

will witness the celebrations at the Maharajah’s

Palace * . (B, D)

Day 16: Fly to Delhi

Transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi for

an overnight stay and farewell drink at the

Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka. (B)


Transfer to the airport for a direct flight to

London with British Airways. (B)



Day 18: Kochi

Enjoy a backwaters cruise before travelling to

Kochi for a 2-night stay at Fragrant Nature

Kochi. (B)

Day 19: Kochi

Explore the highlights of the enchanting port

city of Kochi. (B)

Day 20: Fly home

Transfer to the airport for the return flight to

London, via Dubai, with Emirates. (B)

FESTIVAL DEPARTURES

*

The 10 March 2024 and 27 February 2025

departures are timed to coincide with the

colourful Holika Dahan festival, which will

be celebrated in Udaipur with a visit to the


Group tour









celebrations at the Maharajah’s Palace.

†

The 12 November 2024 and 2 November 2025

departures will include the enchanting Dev

Diwali ‘Festival of Lights’ celebration in Varanasi.


*



additional cost.







Private tour




Guide price months: Feb


Tour code: GNI





TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Kerala


Complete your Indian adventure by exploring

the lush, laid-back state of Kerala, which

offers a palpable contrast to the north of

the country.

Days 16 & 17: Fly to Kochi

Fly to Kochi. Drive to the backwater region

of Kerala for a 2-night stay at Rhythm

Kumarakom (poolside cottage). Next day at

leisure. (B)





Out (Fri) Rtn (Sun)

02 Feb 24 18 Feb 24

09 Feb 24 25 Feb 24

16 Feb 24 03 Mar 24

01 Mar 24 17 Mar 24

*

10 Mar 24 26 Mar 24

11 Oct 24 27 Oct 24

Out (Fri) Rtn (Sun)

18 Oct 24 03 Nov 24

25 Oct 24 10 Nov 24

01 Nov 24 17 Nov 24

†

12 Nov 24 28 Nov 24

22 Nov 24 08 Dec 24

Out (Fri) Rtn (Sun)

07 Feb 25 23 Feb 25

14 Feb 25 02 Mar 25

*

27 Feb 25 15 Mar 25

14 Mar 25 30 Mar 25

21 Mar 25 06 Apr 25

10 Oct 25 26 Oct 25

Out (Fri) Rtn (Sun)

17 Oct 25 02 Nov 25

24 Oct 25 09 Nov 25

†

02 Nov 25 18 Nov 25

14 Nov 25 30 Nov 25

28 Nov 25 14 Dec 25




105


Exotic

India






people (max 18)




upgrades available


Virgin Atlantic

Internal flights in India with 20kg

luggage allowance




2 included 4x4 safaris in

Ranthambore National Park



fees included


Weather

Delhi


A 21 24 30 36 39 39 35 33 34 33 28 23

B 7 10 15 21 25 28 27 26 24 19 13 8

C 19 15 15 8 17 53 220 257 126 24 5 8




Starting from India’s historic capital, Delhi,

this journey for solo travellers continues to

Agra to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Search

for elusive Bengal tigers in Ranthambore

National Park and marvel at the majestic

forts and grand palaces of Rajasthan’s

princely cities, including Jaipur and Udaipur,

in the company of like-minded travellers.


See the Changing of the Guard

ceremony at the President’s Palace

Stay in a traditional haveli in Jaipur

Take a scenic ride on Deogarh’s metregauge

train

Enjoy a farewell dinner overlooking

Lake Fateh Sagar

Day 1: Fly to Delhi


connections available) to Delhi with Virgin

Atlantic. (N)

Day 2: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Taj Palace

for 2 nights. Late afternoon tour of Old Delhi

exploring Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw.

Welcome dinner at the Haveli Dharampura in

Old Delhi, with views towards the Red Fort and

Jama Masjid, and enjoy a dance performance

and kite flying on the rooftop. (D)

Bengal tiger, Ranthambore

Day 3: Delhi

Morning visit to the President’s Palace in

New Delhi for the Changing of the Guard

ceremony. Continue to the tomb of the Mughal

Emperor Humayun and the Qutb Minar tower.

Afternoon at leisure – perhaps explore one of

Delhi’s many markets or simply relax at your

hotel. (B, D)

Day 4: Agra

Drive to Agra. In the afternoon, visit the

magnificent Agra Fort. Stay overnight at the

Taj Convention Centre. (B, D)

Day 5: Fatehpur Sikri • Ranthambore

Early morning sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.

After breakfast, drive to the deserted

sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri. Enjoy lunch

at the lavish Laxmi Vilas Palace. Continue

to the railway station and transfer to Sawai

Madhopur for 2 nights at Dev Vilas. Afternoon

at leisure. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Ranthambore

Early morning and late afternoon wildlife drives

by 4x4 in search of Bengal tigers. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Jaipur

Drive to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Stay 2 nights at

the traditional haveli hotel, Shahpura House.

Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

Day 8: Jaipur

This morning, visit the ancient Amber Fort

and then the City Palace, home of the present

maharajah. (B, D)

Day 9: Pushkar • Deogarh

Morning departure for Deogarh, visiting

106


REGION

Stone carved Jain temple interior, Ranakpur

Pushkar and its temples and markets en

route. Stay 2 nights at the Deogarh Mahal,

a former palace and now a superb heritage

hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Evening cookery

demonstration. (B, D)

Day 10: Deogarh

Take a scenic ride on Deogarh’s metre-gauge

train passing waterfalls, lush landscapes and

rural life. Optional afternoon 4x4 safari visiting

local Bishnoi tribal villages dotted throughout

the surrounding countryside. * (B, D)

Day 11: Ranakpur • Udaipur

Drive to Udaipur, arguably Rajasthan’s most

picturesque city. Visit the Jain temples at

Ranakpur en route. Stay 2 nights at Fateh

Niwas. (B, D)

Day 12: Udaipur

Enjoy a guided tour of Udaipur including

City Palace, the Jagdish Temple and the

Garden of the Maid's Honour. End the tour

with a cruise on the lake. This evening, enjoy

a farewell dinner overlooking Lake Fateh

Sagar. (B, D)

Day 13: Fly to Delhi

Morning at leisure. Afternoon flight from

Udaipur to Delhi for an overnight stay at

Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka. (B)


Transfer to the airport for the Virgin Atlantic

flight to London. (B)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Goa extension


Finish your tour with a 4-night beach

extension staying at the Beleza by the Beach

in the former Portuguese colony of Goa,

with its long, idyllic beaches lined with

palm trees.


Group tour







Solo Travellers group tours: These smallgroup

tours have been specially created

for solo travellers. Benefits include single





*



additional cost.


Prices on request





Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

25 Jan 24 07 Feb 24

08 Feb 24 21 Feb 24

29 Feb 24 13 Mar 24


Guide price months: Oct & Nov

Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

31 Oct 24 13 Nov 24

14 Nov 24 27 Nov 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

23 Jan 25 05 Feb 25

06 Feb 25 19 Feb 25

20 Feb 25 05 Mar 25

Tour code: XOT

Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

30 Oct 25 12 Nov 25

13 Nov 25 26 Nov 25




107

INDIA • INDIAN HIMALAYA

Journey through the

Himalayan Foothills







people (max 14)



upgrades available


Virgin Atlantic

Internal flights in India


Travel outside Delhi by Toyota

Crysta & Tempo Traveller

Express rail travel in air-conditioned

executive class




fees included


Day at leisure in Pragpur

Weather

Shimla


A 11 12 17 22 25 26 23 22 22 21 17 13

B 2 3 7 12 15 17 16 16 14 12 7 4

C 78 70 74 50 66 170 410 334 190 38 16 41




Travel to the holy city of Amritsar and McLeod

Ganj, home to the Tibetan government-inexile.

Continue through the foothills of the

Himalaya to Shimla. Along the way, appreciate

the cultural diversity of the region through its

temples, monasteries and museums.


Join a guided heritage walk through

Amritsar

Ride on the Kangra Mountain Railway

to Nagrota

Visit a local family in Dharamsala

Take a gentle sunset walk through

Gaddi villages

Day 1: Fly to Amritsar via Delhi


connections available) to Amritsar, via Delhi,

with Virgin Atlantic. (N)

Day 2: Amritsar

On arrival, transfer to the Hyatt Amritsar for a

2-night stay. Evening visit to the Golden Temple

for the auspicious Palki Sahib ceremony to

witness the evening kirtan (devotional prayers).

The temple is profusely lit and the lights are

beautifully reflected in large water tanks

surrounding the sanctum. Attend a welcome

dinner this evening. (D)

Day 3: Amritsar • Wagah

Morning visit to the Golden Temple and

its vast community kitchen (langar). Take a

guided heritage walk passing the Gurudwara

Saragarhi, dedicated to the heroism of the

Prayer wheels, McLeod Ganj

21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs Battalion who

lost their lives in 1897 as they defended their

posts against Afghan soldiers. Weave your

way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with

colonial architectural features, before arriving

at the Jalebiwala Chowk with its jalebi shop

selling delicious sticky sweets. Late afternoon

visit to Wagah, situated on the border with

Pakistan, for the unmissable Changing of the

Guard ceremony. (B)

Day 4: McLeod Ganj

Travel by road to McLeod Ganj in Dharamsala.

McLeod Ganj is home to the Dalai Lama and is

the centre of Little Tibet. This afternoon, visit

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s monastery,

Tsuglag Khang. Continue with a tour of McLeod

Ganj, visiting the handicrafts centre and local

markets. Stay 2 nights at the Fortune Park

Moksha. (B)

Day 5: Dharamsala

After breakfast, visit the Norbulingka Institute,

dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan

culture, and the Thosamling Nunnery. Visit a

local family to see the regional Gaddi dress.

Later, take a gentle walk through traditional

Gaddi settlements to Naddi village, enjoying

spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain

range as the sun sets. (B)

Day 6: Palampur

Today begins with a visit to Kangra to admire

the ruins of the impressive fort and the

Bajeshwari Temple. Drive to Palampur for an

overnight stay at Taragarh Palace, and visit

Tashi Jong Monastery. (B, D)

Day 7: Pragpur via Kangra Mountain

Railway

This morning visit the Shiv Baijnath Temple,

carved from rock and inscribed in sanskrit.

Drive to Baijnath to board the Kangra

Mountain Railway for the 1.5-hour scenic ride

108


REGION

Shimla

to Nagrota. Travel to Pragpur for a 2-night stay

at The Judge’s Court, a delightful old manor

house converted into a hotel. (B, D)

Day 8: Pragpur

Join a walk to Garli Heritage Village and see

an interesting fusion of architectural styles.

Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to

Jwalamukhi and Chintpurni temples, or spend

the rest of the day at leisure (B, L, D)

Day 9: Shimla

Full-day drive through the Himalayan

foothills to the former British hill station of

Shimla. On arrival, check in for 3 nights at

the Oberoi Cecil or upgrade to the Oberoi

Wildflower Hall (Deluxe Garden View room)

from £645 per person. (B, D)

Day 10: Shimla

Full-day tour of Shimla, including the Viceregal

Lodge, Himachal State Museum and the

Gaiety Theatre. Later in the day, enjoy some

time at leisure to stroll along the Mall and

the Ridge. (B, D)

Day 11: Shimla

Travel on a first-class carriage aboard the

Himalayan Queen ‘toy train’ from Shimla to

Kandaghat (2 hours 15 minutes) to enjoy the

beautiful Himalayan scenery. This narrowgauge

railway is considered one of the finest

engineering feats in India. Afternoon at leisure.

Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight. (B, D)

Day 12: Delhi

Travel by road to Chandigarh (3 hours) to take

the midday train to Delhi. Overnight at the

Oberoi Maidens. (B)


Transfer to the airport for your flight home

with Virgin Atlantic. (B)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Haridwar & Corbett extension


Extend your tour with a visit to the sacred town

of Haridwar, then continue to the picturesque

Corbett National Park, a renowned tiger

reserve.


Group tour










Itinerary: The order of the visits may change

due to national holidays and museum

opening times.






visit CoxandKings.co.uk/make-an-enquiry.

Private tour










Out (Tue) Rtn (Sun)

06 Feb 24 18 Feb 24

20 Feb 24 03 Mar 24

12 Mar 24 24 Mar 24

19 Mar 24 31 Mar 24

02 Apr 24 14 Apr 24

Out (Tue) Rtn (Sun)

01 Oct 24 13 Oct 24

15 Oct 24 27 Oct 24

29 Oct 24 10 Nov 24

12 Nov 24 24 Nov 24


Prices on request

Out (Tue) Rtn (Sun)

04 Feb 25 16 Feb 25

11 Feb 25 23 Feb 25

04 Mar 25 16 Mar 25

11 Mar 25 23 Mar 25

01 Apr 25 13 Apr 25

Tour code: HTT

Out (Tue) Rtn (Sun)

07 Oct 25 19 Oct 25

21 Oct 25 02 Nov 25

28 Oct 25 09 Nov 25

04 Nov 25 16 Nov 25




109

INDIA • SOUTH INDIA

Discover South India

The south of India is an eclectic region

combining beautiful scenery and spectacular

temples. Kerala is a tiny state rich in natural

beauty with plantations growing many of

the exotic spices indigenous to India. It is

no less renowned for its wealth of festivals.

Across the Western Ghats lies Tamil Nadu,

a state which has been at the heart of

southern India’s religious development and

is scattered with ornate temples, ruined

forts and colonial monuments. The Deccan

Plateau makes up most of the central part

of southern India. During the medieval age,

a number of India’s greatest dynasties grew

within this region, when the maharajahs of

Mysore constructed many exquisite royal

palaces and gardens.

Kochi

Eclectic architecture • Spice trade history

Overlooking the Arabian Sea and once a

strategic port on the spice route, Kochi

(Cochin), is an enchanting blend of east

meets west. Scratch beneath the surface and

it is so much more than the main sights of

Mattancherry Palace, the synagogue and the

16th-century St Francis Church.

The Keralan Backwaters

Cruise narrow canals & lakes • Abundant

birdlife

Chinese fishing nets, Kochi

Take a sunset cruise to see fishermen work

the Chinese fishing nets. Head off by rickshaw

or on foot through the labyrinthine streets

to explore the local markets; wander along

Gujarati Street with its sweet and fruit stalls,

discover the amazing collection of cotton items

on Marine Drive, and visit the International

Pepper Exchange – the only place in the world

where pepper is the exchange currency.

A rural, riverine expanse of verdant coconut

groves and paddy fields, the Keralan backwaters

are one of India’s most enchanting areas and

can be explored on a traditional kettuvallam

(converted rice boat). Today, while the historic

character of these boats has been preserved,

the rice barges have been adapted to offer a

unique journey along the waterways.

An overnight stay offers a magical insight into

the lifestyle of rural Kerala. Get a glimpse into

the lives of Malayalees: children playing hide

and seek between coconut trees, fishermen

going about their daily lives, and the mouthwatering

aroma of naadan (authentic) homely

food in the air.

Houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala

110


Madurai

Ancient & bustling city • Meenakshi Temple

Madurai is an ancient city set on the banks

of the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu. Legend has

it that a few drops of nectar fell from Shiva’s

locks onto the city, giving rise to its name,

which is thought to derive from an old Tamil

word for ‘sweetness’. The cultural focal point

of Madurai is its main temple, the Meenakshi-

Sundareswarar. One of India’s liveliest temples,

it serves as a significant place of Hindu

pilgrimage and is covered in a profusion of

brightly coloured stucco figures.

Hall of a Thousand Columns, Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

Puducherry

French legacy • Colonial-era mansions

The charming seaside town of Puducherry

(Pondicherry) is a former French enclave south

of Chennai. The French relinquished control

in 1954, yet the unusual mixture of French

and Tamil traditions remains. The French

influence is especially evident in many of the

town’s grand colonial-era mansions, tree-lined

boulevards, numerous restaurants and chic

boutiques. Other sites of interest include the

Sri Aurobindo Ashram; the Government Park;

and the Gandhi memorial.

Mysore

Rickshaws in Puducherry

Ornate architecture • Exquisite temples of

Somnathpur

Mysore is the former capital of an important

princely state. Magnificent palaces and royal

gardens offer a glimpse of its past grandeur.

The ornate Mysore Palace, designed by Henry

Irwin, is embellished with murals. Its 100,000

light bulbs are illuminated over weekends and

public holidays for an ethereal air. Mysore is

also an excellent base to visit the island citadel

of Srirangapatna and the intricate temples of

Somnathpur.

Mysore Palace, Mysore

Suggested itinerary

Kerala at Leisure

12 days & 10 nights



Travel through Kerala in style and at

a pace which enables you to make the

most of this laid-back land, where sleepy

waterways weave through rainforest.

Days 1-3: Kochi

Fly overnight to Kochi before checking in to

Malabar House for 2 nights. Explore this

picturesque city by bike or on foot, with

stops at the Dutch Palace and the Jewish

Synagogue. (B)

Days 4 & 5: Thekkady

Travel through lush landscapes to the tropical

rainforests of the Western Ghats and the

small town of Thekkady. Check in for a

2-night stay at Spice Village, where thatchroof

cottages enjoy the shade of swaying

fruit trees. Venture into Periyar National

Park, seeking out Asian elephants and other

wildlife. (B)

Days 6 & 7: Alleppey

Travel to Lake Vembanad and check in to

the shorefront retreat of Purity for 2 nights.

Enjoy a relaxed pace of living, with guest

activities including yoga classes and evening

cruises on the lake. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Backwater cruise

Board a houseboat for an overnight cruise

along the Keralan backwaters. Many of

the region’s traditional rice barges, known

as kettuvallam, have been converted into

riverine accommodation, and offer a unique

mode of exploration. (B, L, D)

Days 9-11: Kovalam

Travel to Kovalam for 3 nights at Taj Green

Cove Resort & Spa. Located on a hillside

amid lush greenery, the resort overlooks the

Arabian Sea. (B)

Day 12: Fly Home

Transfer to Kerala’s capital, Trivandrum, for

your flight home. (B)

Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5073



111

INDIA • TAMIL NADU & KERALA

Treasures of

Southern India







people (max 18)



upgrades available

International flights with Emirates

via Dubai


vehicles




fees included


Day at leisure in Kerala's

backwaters

Weather

Madurai


A 30 31 33 34 34 32 32 32 32 31 30 29

B 22 22 24 26 26 25 24 24 24 24 23 22

C 16 19 22 63 54 87 130 140 111 192 141 71




The delicate scent of spices, the sound of

temple bells and a rich tapestry of ancient

arts and craft all characterise Tamil Nadu

and Kerala. This journey travels through hill

stations, tropical backwaters and templeladen

towns while staying in some of the

region’s very best hotels.


Stay in the heart of the French Quarter

in Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Explore Tamil Nadu's rich artistic and

creative side

Visit Meenakshi Temple for the night

ceremony

Spend two nights relaxing in the

Keralan backwaters staying in a

poolside cottage

Enjoy a wealth of culinary fare

Day 1: Fly to Chennai


available) to Chennai (Madras) with Emirates

via Dubai. (N)

Day 2: Chennai

On arrival, transfer to the Taj Connemara for 1

night (early check-in available). Time at leisure

before an afternoon tour of the city followed

by free time at Marina Beach. A welcome

dinner will be held this evening. (B, D)

Day 3: Mahabalipuram • Puducherry

Morning walking tour of Mylapore, a town that

predates Chennai by 2,000 years. Continue to

Puducherry (Pondicherry), visiting the UNESCOlisted

shore temples at Mahabalipuram en

route. Stay 2 nights at the Palais de Mahé

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram

located in the heart of the French Quarter. (B)

Day 4: Puducherry

Morning visit to a rural village, organised

by Mohanam Cultural Centre. Watch the

villagers involved in traditional crafts such as

stone carving, ceramics and terracotta work.

Afternoon guided walk through Puducherry;

stop by the Aurobindo ashram, stroll to the

lively Tamil quarters, and experience Hindu

faith at the Ganesh temple in the evening. (B)

Day 5: Chidambaram • Kumbakonam

Witness the daily rituals at Chidambaram

Temple and the art of kalamkari, which uses

plant-based dyes to create intricate artwork,

before driving through scenic countryside

to Kumbakonam for 2 nights at the Mantra

Koodam. In the early evening, try your hand

at pottery and enjoy an interactive culinary

demonstration, led by expert chefs. (B, D)

Day 6: Kumbakonam

Sunrise visit to the local market. After

breakfast, discover the crafts and culture of

Tamil Nadu. Observe master foundrymen

produce extraordinarily detailed bronzecast

statues and see the process of pattu silk

weaving, using wooden handlooms. You will

also visit the Darasuram Temple, renowned

for its delicate stone sculptures and the Vedic

School which dates back 140 years. Afternoon

at leisure to explore the countryside on foot.

(B, D)

Day 7: Tanjore • Chettinad

Drive to Chettinad, stopping at Brihadeeswarar

Temple in Tanjore en route. Continue to the

art gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library at

the Tanjore Palace. Arrive in Chettinad for

an overnight stay at Chidambara Vilas. This

evening, enjoy a superb culinary experience.

(B, L, D)

Day 8: Madurai

This morning, explore the village market,

stopping for a traditional cup of tea before

112


REGION

Houseboat, Kumarakom

visiting some of the impressive mansions.

Travel to Madurai. Evening visit to the

illuminated Meenakshi Temple and Hall of

a Thousand Pillars for the night ceremony.

Overnight stay at the Heritage Madurai. (B)

Day 9: Munnar

Travel to the hill country around Munnar for

an overnight stay at Fragrant Nature. After

lunch in a tea planter’s bungalow, visit the

Suryanelli tea factory to enjoy a guided tour,

tea tasting and a gentle stroll through the tea

plantation. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Kumarakom

Morning at leisure or visit the Srishti Welfare

Centre, where differently-abled children and

young adults are supported in education

and to create sustainable livelihoods. Travel

to Kumarakom for 2 nights at the Rhythm

Kumarakom (Poolside Cottage). Upgrade to a

Lakefront Luxury Villa with plunge pool from

£100 per person for 2 nights. (B, D)

Day 11: Kumarakom

Day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surrounds

or explore village life in the backwaters. * (B, D)

Day 12: Kochi

Morning cruise aboard a shikara (wooden boat)

through the backwaters before driving to Kochi

(Cochin). Visit the Mattancherry Palace and

enjoy an evening Kathakali dance performance.

Stay 2 nights at Eighth Bastion. (B)

Day 13: Kochi

Morning sightseeing tour of Kochi including

the Chinese fishing nets and the 16th-century

St Francis Church. Explore hidden Kochi

including Jew Town and dhobi wallah, a

wash-house where a sea of white hotel linen

is slathered on the washing stones.

Afternoon at leisure to further explore the

streets and their array of local markets.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Eighth Bastion

this evening. (B, D)


Fly home via Dubai with Emirates (B)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Coonoor & Mysore


Travel to Ooty to explore the erstwhile British

summer capital and to ride the scenic Blue

Mountain Railway. Continue to Mysore, the

home of India’s largest palace.

Day 14: Coonoor

Drive to Coonoor this morning and stay 2

nights at the Gateway Coonoor. (B)

Day 15: Ooty

Enjoy the scenic narrow-gauge train trip to

Ooty aboard the Blue Mountain Railway.

Afternoon tour of Ooty's botanical gardens. (B)

Day 16: Mysore

Travel to Mysore and visit the impressive Nandi

Bull and the magnificent Maharajah’s Palace.

Overnight at Radisson Mysore. (B)


Group tour









Day 17: Srirangapatna • Bengaluru

Travel by road to Bengaluru (Bangalore) visiting

Srirangapatna en route. Overnight at the

Taj Bangalore. (B)


Fly to London, via Dubai, with Emirates. (B)


*



additional cost.







Private tour










Out (Sun) Rtn (Sat)

14 Jan 24 27 Jan 24

04 Feb 24 17 Feb 24

18 Feb 24 02 Mar 24

03 Mar 24 16 Mar 24

Out (Sun) Rtn (Sat)

20 Oct 24 02 Nov 24

03 Nov 24 16 Nov 24

10 Nov 24 23 Nov 24


Prices on request: Emirates to/from Birmingham,

Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester or Stansted

Out (Sun) Rtn (Sat)

12 Jan 25 25 Jan 25

19 Jan 25 01 Feb 25

02 Feb 25 15 Feb 25

16 Feb 25 01 Mar 25

Tour code: CMK

Out (Sun) Rtn (Sat)

02 Mar 25 15 Mar 25

19 Oct 25 01 Nov 25

02 Nov 25 15 Nov 25

09 Nov 25 22 Nov 25




113

INDIA • KERALA

Passage through

Kerala







people (max 18)


International flights with Emirates


vehicles



5 dinners


fees included


Included safari & national park fees

Balanced pace

Day at leisure in Kerala’s tropical

backwaters

Weather

Kochi


A 31 32 32 32 31 29 28 28 29 30 31 31

B 22 23 24 25 25 24 23 23 23 23 23 22

C 6 24 37 107 284 752 848 514 316 310 155 42




Bengal tiger, Nagarhole National Park

This tour takes in the beautiful sights

and tranquil landscapes of south India.

Experience the immense Maharajah’s Palace

in Mysore, the wildlife of Nagarhole National

Park, the lush beauty of Wayanad, a rail ride

through the Nilgiri Mountains and a cruise

along the peaceful backwaters of Kochi.


See Mysore Palace illuminated by

100,000 lights

Join a culinary tour of Mysore

Take afternoon tea at a planter’s house

Ride the scenic Blue Mountain Railway

Embark on a boat and canter safari in

Nagarhole National Park

Day 1: Fly to Bengaluru via Dubai


available) to Bengaluru (Bangalore) with

Emirates, via Dubai. (N)

Day 2: Bengaluru

On arrival, check in for an overnight stay at

The Park Bangalore. This afternoon, enjoy a

guided tour tracing Bangaluru’s captivating

history. Attend a welcome dinner this evening.

(D)

Day 3: Srirangapatna • Mysore

Travel to Mysore for 2 nights at the Radisson.

En route, stop at the island fortress of

Srirangapatna, the former capital of south

India’s most powerful 18th-century rulers.

Evening food tour of Mysore’s celebrated

gastronomical delights including Mysore

masala dosa. (B)

Day 4: Mysore • Somnathpur

Walking tour visiting some of Mysore’s

architectural wonders. Tour the Maharajah’s

Palace, which combines Hindu and Saracenic

architecture. Afternoon visit to the Keshava

temple at Somnathpur. Return to the

Maharajah’s Palace this evening to see it

illuminated by over 100,000 light bulbs. (B)

Day 5: Nagarhole National Park

Travel to Kabini for an overnight stay at the

Serai Kabini (waterfront veranda room).

The predator density of Nagarhole park is

one of the highest in Asia and includes tigers,

leopards and wild dogs. Afternoon boat safari

in search of the park’s endemic wildlife. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Nagarhole National Park • Wayanad

Early morning canter (open-sided mini

bus) safari. Travel to Wayanad for 2 nights

at Wayanad Wild. Wayanad is an area of

outstanding natural beauty with tropical

forests, valleys, waterfalls and sprawling

plantations. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Wayanad

Morning at leisure. Enjoy an interactive

Keralan cooking class and lunch. Take part

in a guided nature walk. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Coonoor

Leisurely drive to the hill station of Coonoor.

Enjoy lunch on the terrace of the Taj Savoy.

Afternoon tour of the botanical gardens in

Ooty, filled with more than 1,000 varieties

of plants, shrubs and trees. Continue to

Coonoor for 2 nights at the Gateway Coonoor

IHCL SeleQtions. (B, L)

Day 9: Coonoor • Ooty

Drive to Ooty and ride the Blue Mountain

Railway to Coonoor. The scenic narrow-gauge

railway runs across plains, plantations and the

verdant hills of the Nilgiri Mountains. Visit a

planter’s house for afternoon tea and a walk

through the tea plantation. (B)

Day 10: Kochi

Travel to Coimbatore and board the train to

Ernakulam. Transfer to the Eighth Bastion,

located in the heart of Fort Kochi for 2 nights.

Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore

the local area. (B, L)

Day 11: Kochi

Visit some of the highlights of this enchanting

port, taking in the architectural styles that

reveal Arab, Jewish and European influences.

View the remarkable, cantilevered Chinese

114


REGION

fishing nets, explore the 16th-century

Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, the

Church of St Francis and India’s oldest active

synagogue in historic Jew Town. Wander

through markets and visit the vibrant Dhobi

Ghats. Later, visit the Kathakali dance studio

to see a traditional performance. (B)


Drive to the backwater region of Kerala this

morning. En route, take a cruise by shikara

boat through narrow canals. This cruise

explores the picturesque waterways, revealing

boats carrying loads of coir, copra and cashews

and, along the water’s edge, numerous

churches and markets. Stay for 2 nights at

Coconut Lagoon. This evening, enjoy a farewell

dinner. (B, D)

Rice barge tour variation


In a variation to the main tour, instead of

taking a shikara ride on Day 12, relax on a fullday

cruise through the backwaters,

followed by a night aboard a traditional rice

barge. Traditional Keralan cuisine is served on

board and, just before sunset, the boat drops

anchor for the night.


Group tour




*

Optional activities: These are at an extra

cost, which is payable locally.


can be taken privately on a date that suits you,

for which guideline prices are shown.




Private tour



Kathakali performers, Kerala

Tour code: PKR


Day at leisure. Optional visit to a local church. *

(B)

Day 14: Fly to London via Dubai

Morning transfer to the airport and fly to

London, via Dubai, with Emirates. (B)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Marari Beach Resort extension


Mararikulam is a beautiful stretch of beach

between Kochi and Alleppey. Stay 3 nights at

the Marari Beach Resort, a village-style hotel

with accommodation in individual thatched

cottages and deluxe pool villas.











Prices on request: Emirates to/from Birmingham,

Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester or Stansted





Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

11 Jan 24 24 Jan 24

25 Jan 24 07 Feb 24

08 Feb 24 21 Feb 24

15 Feb 24 28 Feb 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

22 Feb 24 06 Mar 24

14 Mar 24 27 Mar 24

17 Oct 24 30 Oct 24

07 Nov 24 20 Nov 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

09 Jan 25 22 Jan 25

23 Jan 25 05 Feb 25

06 Feb 25 19 Feb 25

13 Feb 25 26 Feb 25

Out (Thu) Rtn (Wed)

20 Feb 25 05 Mar 25

13 Mar 25 26 Mar 25

16 Oct 25 29 Oct 25

06 Nov 25 19 Nov 25




115

SRI LANKA

Discover Sri Lanka

For a relatively small island, Sri Lanka

(formerly Ceylon) has remarkable cultural

and geographical diversity: rolling green

hills carpeted with tea plantations, ruins

of ancient capital cities, biodiverse wildlife

reserves, all wrapped up within a stunning

coastline.

Colombo, the capital, offers a wealth

of interesting attractions, including the

National Museum, the Pettah Bazaar and

colonial buildings beautifully restored from

the Dutch, Portuguese and British eras.

Food is also a highlight in Colombo, where

you can dine at one of the eateries in the

Old Dutch Hospital or be adventurous and

try some of the delicious street food.

Kandy

Temple of the Tooth • Royal Botanical

Gardens • British Garrison Cemetery

The Hill Country

Tea estates • Rural train rides •

Horton Plains

IMAGE

Temple of the Tooth, Kandy

Kandy, once an impregnable fortress, was the

capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom. Today, it

is Sri Lanka’s cultural centre and home to the

country’s holiest site, the Temple of the Tooth,

said to contain the tooth relic of Buddha.

The temple is set on the shores of a beautiful

lake in the midst of town. Just a short walk

from the temple is the British Garrison

Cemetery, established in 1817 for the British

nationals who died in Ceylon. Kandy is also

known for its quaint old quarter, cultural

performances and interesting museums.

The Victoria Golf Club, one of the most

scenic golf courses in Asia, and the exotic

Peradeniya botanical gardens are just a

short drive away.

A rural train ride links Kandy with Sri Lanka’s

captivating hill country. The scenery is

spectacular, as are the glimpses of rural life

and the experience of sharing this journey

with the locals who use these trains daily.

The hill country offers visitors an idyllic mix of

misty mountains, colonial hill stations, lush tea

plantations and tumbling waterfalls, as well as

the attractive villages of Nuwara Eliya, Ella and

Hatton. The region is also the setting for the

natural wonders of the Horton Plains. A walk

of 9.5km loops around the plateau passing

‘World’s End’, a stunning escarpment from

which to view the tea plantations in the valley

below and, on a clear day, the 2,130-metrehigh

Adam’s Peak.

Rural train, Nuwara Eliya

116


Cultural Triangle

Cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka • Elephant

gathering • Cave temples

Experiences in

Sri Lanka

The ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Sigiriya

and Polonnaruwa, as well as the cave temples

at Dambulla, make up Sri Lanka’s famed

Cultural Triangle. This picturesque region is

home to many UNESCO-listed sites and is an

ideal base from which to discover Sri Lanka’s

cultural and religious history, full of lost cities,

ruined palaces and centuries-old frescoes.

Coastal Sri Lanka

Cave Temple, Dambulla

Galle Fort • Palm-fringed beaches • Yearround

destination

At the heart of the Cultural Triangle lies the

fifth-century Sigiriya rock fortress, accessible

via a winding cliff-face staircase. Dambulla’s

Buddhist temple complex is home to an

impressive collection of statues, including a

15-metre-long reclining Buddha. For those who

want to combine culture with wildlife from

July to August, Minneriya National Park and its

impressive gathering of Asiatic elephants can

be visited alongside Polonnaruwa.

Culinary Ceylon, Colombo

Delve deep into the roots of Sri Lankan

cuisine with a delicious seven-course

dining experience. Your host will guide

you through the origins of each course.

Try a variety of Sri Lankan favourites

including hoppers (a type of pancake),

kottu (shredded bread with vegetables,

meat and spices) and lamprais (curry

wrapped in banana leaves).

The main attraction of the south-west coast is

historic Galle and its 17th-century Portuguese

fort, which encloses a 36-hectare site complete

with grand mansions, narrow streets and art

galleries with the Handunugoda tea estate

just a short drive away. Along the coast are

numerous villages displaying the region’s

cultural heritage and miles of pristine beaches.

Mirissa is a top whale watching spot, while

Tangalle’s palm-fringed coves are a 20-minute

drive from the cave temples at Mulkirigala.

Further east, Hambantota is an ideal base for

exploring the nearby national parks of Bundela

and Yala as well as the temples at Kataragama.

The distinct north-east coast, with the shallow

waters of Passikudah, traditional fishing

villages and coral reefs, is best visited from

April to September.

Fishing boat, Tangalle

Rural train ride, Hill Country

Enjoy a leisurely train ride in Sri Lanka’s

serene Hill Country. Travel along at just

30km an hour, passing tea plantations,

waterfalls and mountain creeks before

gradually creeping up into the clouds.

The scenery is spectacular, as are the

glimpses of rural life and the experience

of sharing this journey with the locals who

use these trains daily.

Suggested itinerary

Exotic Sri Lanka

15 days & 13 nights


Category • Luxury

Explore Sri Lanka’s wealth of cultural

and natural treasures whilst staying in

some of the country's most luxurious and

intimate properties.

Days 1 & 2: Fly to Colombo

Stay at The Wallawwa for 1 night. (N)

Day 3: Anuradhapura

Transfer to Ulagalla Resort for 2 nights.

Remainder of day at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Anuradhapura

Explore the city of Anuradhapura. For 1,400

years this was Sri Lanka's capital and contains

fabulous Buddhist shrines and relics. (B)

Day 5: Sigiriya • Kandy

Drive to the ruined city of Sigiriya with its

impressive palace-fortress. Continue to

Kandy and stay 3 nights at Kandy House. (B)

Days 6 & 7: Kandy

Visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses

the relic of the tooth of Buddha, and the

Peradeniya botanical gardens. Following day

at leisure to relax or explore Kandy. (B)

Day 8: Koslanda

Early morning drive to Koslanda via a tea

plantation. Stay 2 nights at Living Heritage

Koslanda, featuring its own tea plantation. (B)

Day 9: Koslanda

Day at leisure. Relax or enjoy optional

experiences including cooking classes, hikes

to the nearby waterfall or forest walks. (B)

Day 10: Tangalle

Drive to Tangalle on the southern coast and

stay 2 nights at The Last House. Remainder

of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 11: Tangalle

Day at leisure. You may wish to relax on the

beach or book yourself a spa treatment. (B)

Days 12 & 13: Galle

Drive to Galle and stay 2 nights at Kahanda

Kanda. Afternoon guided tour. Following day

at leisure to explore Galle. (B)

Day 14: Colombo

Transfer to Colombo and stay overnight at

Maniumpathy. Afternoon guided walking

tour of Colombo. (B)


Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5073



117

SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka:

The Enchanted Island







people (max 18)



upgrades available

Direct international flights with Sri

Lankan Airlines


vehicles



Upgrade to half-board in Dambulla,

Kandy & Ahungalla (7 nights)

for £111



Wildlife safari & national park

entrance fees

Porterage at hotels

Weather

Colombo


A 31 31 32 32 31 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

B 22 23 24 24 25 25 25 25 25 24 23 22

C 55 74 136 250 382 186 124 116 236 371 306 166




The island nation of Sri Lanka has a wealth

of cultural, archaeological and natural

treasures. This comprehensive tour visits

both the popular and some of the lesserknown

sites in northern, central and

southern Sri Lanka.


Visit the impressive Dambulla caves

and Sigiriya rock fortress

Witness a puja ceremony at the

Temple of the Tooth

Stay in an authentic converted

tea factory

Finish the tour with relaxation on

the beach

Day 1: Fly to Colombo


connections available) to Colombo with

Sri Lankan Airlines. (N)

Day 2: Colombo

Afternoon arrival and transfer to the Cinnamon

Lakeside for 1 night. Enjoy a welcome afternoon

tea at the Galle Face Hotel. (L)

Day 3: Dambulla

In the morning, transfer to Dambulla. Stay 3

nights at the Heritance Kandalama. (B)

Day 4: Anuradhapura • Mihintale

Drive to ancient Anuradhapura. This city

was Sri Lanka’s capital for 1,400 years and

contains fabulous Buddhist shrines and relics.

Lion Rock, Sigiriya

Afternoon visit to Mihintale, the birthplace of

Buddhism in Sri Lanka. (B)

Day 5: Sigiriya • Polonnaruwa

Morning visit to the rock-fortress town of

Sigiriya. Continue to the 11th-century capital of

Polonnaruwa. (B)

Day 6: Dambulla • Kandy

Morning visit to Dambulla, home to Asia’s

most impressive cave temples. Continue to

the beautiful hill station of Kandy and stay 2

nights at the Earls Regency. Afternoon city

tour. This evening, watch a traditional Kandyan

dance performance and visit the Temple of the

Tooth for the evening puja. (B)

Day 7: Kandy

Kandy is set on the shores of a beautiful manmade

lake and the area abounds with rich

and varied plant life. Morning visit to the Royal

Botanical Gardens. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

Early morning drive to Nuwara Eliya hill station

via a tea plantation. Set at an elevation of 1,880

metres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya attracted

the British in the 18th century and their legacy

is still visible. Stay at the Heritance Tea Factory

for 2 nights. (B)

Day 9: Horton Plains

Early morning visit to Horton Plains, situated

on Sri Lanka’s highest plateau (this excursion

involves a 2.5-hour walk * ). Horton Plains is

inhabited by large populations of monkeys and

sambar deer. The remainder of the day is at

leisure. (B)

Day 10: Ella • Yala

Visit the Rawana Ella Falls and impressive

Buduruwagala statues before continuing

to the Elephant Transit Home. Then drive to

118


REGION

Galle Fort

Yala and stay for 2 nights at the Cinnamon

Wild. (B)

Day 11: Yala

Morning wildlife safari in Yala National Park.

Covering 1,300 sq km, the park encompasses

a diversity of jungle habitats, including scrub,

brackish lagoons and riverside locations.

Creatures that may be seen include elephants,

leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar

deer, wild pigs, jackals, marsh crocodiles and

a great variety of birdlife. Tonight enjoy a

farewell dinner. (B, D)

can view a selection of recommended Maldives

properties on the Cox & Kings website.


*

Accessibility: Due to high altitude and

uneven terrain, the Horton Plains walk requires

a good level of fitness. Visits to certain ancient

monuments in the Cultural Triangle require

quite a bit of step climbing. In some cases,

this is in excess of 1,800 steps and in other

instances somewhere between 800 and

1,200 steps.

Private & tailored travel: This itinerary can be

taken privately, for which guideline prices are




†

Tour departs on a Thursday and returns on a

Wednesday

Days 12 & 13: Galle • Ahungalla

Drive to Ahungalla, stopping for a tour of Galle

Fort. Stay 2 nights at Heritance Ahungalla or

upgrade to the Cinnamon Bentota Resort &

Spa (Superior Charm Seaview room) from £70.

Following day at leisure. (B)


Transfer to Colombo and fly to London with

Sri Lankan Airlines. (B)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Maldives extension


The Maldivian archipelago of 1,190 islands

stretches across the Indian Ocean. These

tropical hideaways offer pure relaxation in

exquisite surroundings. This extension price

is based on a short flight from Colombo to

Malé and a speedboat to Velassaru, a resort

offering an idyllic stay on an island surrounded

by verdant foliage and crystal-clear water. You


Group tour






Sri Lankan Airlines flight upgrades


Private tour










Out (Tue) Rtn (Mon)

16 Jan 24 29 Jan 24

30 Jan 24 12 Feb 24

13 Feb 24 26 Feb 24

†

15 Feb 24 28 Feb 24

27 Feb 24 11 Mar 24

05 Mar 24 18 Mar 24

Out (Tue) Rtn (Mon)

12 Mar 24 25 Mar 24

15 Oct 24 28 Oct 24

12 Nov 24 25 Nov 24

07 Jan 25 20 Jan 25

14 Jan 25 27 Jan 25

21 Jan 25 03 Feb 25



Out (Tue) Rtn (Mon)

28 Jan 25 10 Feb 25

04 Feb 25 17 Feb 25

11 Feb 25 24 Feb 25

†

13 Feb 25 26 Feb 25

18 Feb 25 03 Mar 25

25 Feb 25 10 Mar 25

Tour code: CET

Out (Tue) Rtn (Mon)

04 Mar 25 17 Mar 25

11 Mar 25 24 Mar 25

14 Oct 25 27 Oct 25

11 Nov 25 24 Nov 25




119

SRI LANKA

Splendours

of Sri Lanka






people (max 18)

4-& 5-star accommodation



upgrades available


Sri Lankan Airlines


vehicles





fees included

Wildlife safaris & national park

entrance fees

Porterage at hotels

Weather

Colombo


A 31 31 32 32 31 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

B 22 23 24 24 25 25 25 25 25 24 23 22

C 55 74 136 250 382 186 124 116 236 371 306 166




This introductory tour combines the Cultural

Triangle’s ancient cities with scenic hill

country, man-made marvels and abundant

wildlife. Finish the tour with a relaxing twonight

stay on a palm-fringed beach.


Three safaris in Wilpattu in search of

wild elephants and leopards

Join a Sri Lankan cookery lesson

End your tour with a two-night luxury

beach stay

Day 1: Fly to Colombo


connections available) to Colombo with

Sri Lankan Airlines. (N)

Day 2: Chilaw

Arrive and transfer to the Anantaya hotel for 1

night. Welcome dinner with your group. (D)

Day 3: Anuradhapura

Drive to Anuradhapura via Wilpattu National

Park. Afternoon wildlife safari in search of

leopards and sloth bears. Stay 3 nights at the

Lake Forest Resort. (B, D)

Day 4: Wilpattu National Park •

Anuradhapura

Full-day safari in Wilpattu National Park.

(B, L, D)

Leopard, Wilpattu National Park

Day 5: Anuradhapura

Drive to the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

For 1,400 years, this city was the capital of

Sri Lanka and contains fabulous Buddhist

shrines and relics. Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

Day 6: Habarana

Transfer to Habarana. Stay 2 nights at the

Cinnamon Lodge. Afternoon cookery lesson. (B)

Day 7: Sigiriya • Polonnaruwa

Morning visit to the UNESCO-listed rock

fortress town of Sigiriya. Continue to the 11thcentury

medieval capital of Polonnaruwa. (B)

Day 8: Dambulla • Kandy

Morning visit to Dambulla, home to Asia’s

most impressive cave temples. Continue to

the beautiful hill station of Kandy and stay 2

nights at the Cinnamon Citadel. Afternoon

sightseeing tour. In the evening, watch a

traditional Kandyan dance performance and

visit the Temple of the Tooth for the evening

puja ceremony. (B, D)

Day 9: Kandy

Kandy is set on the shores of a beautiful manmade

lake and the area abounds in rich and

varied plant life. Morning visit to the Royal

Botanical Gardens. Afternoon at leisure to

explore Kandy’s markets. (B, D)

Day 10: Nuwara Eliya

Morning drive to the hill station of Nuwara

Eliya via a tea plantation. Set some 1,880

metres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya attracted

the British in the 18th century and their legacy

is still visible. Stay at The Blackpool (or similar)

for 2 nights. (B, D)

120


REGION

Tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya

Day 11: Horton Plains

Early morning visit to Horton Plains, situated

on Sri Lanka’s highest plateau (this excursion

involves a 2.5-hour walk * ). Horton Plains is

inhabited by large populations of monkeys

and sambar deer. The rest of the day is at

leisure. (B, D)

Day 12: Wadduwa

Drive to Wadduwa. Stay 2 nights at the Blue

Water Hotel, a luxury hotel with breathtaking

views of the Indian Ocean. (B, D)

Day 13: Wadduwa

Day at leisure. Attend a farewell dinner. (B, D)


Transfer to Colombo and fly to London with

Sri Lankan Airlines. (B)




Solo Travellers group tours: These smallgroup

tours have been specially created

for solo travellers. Benefits include single





*

Accessibility: Due to high altitude and

uneven terrain, the Horton Plains walk requires

a good level of fitness. Visits to certain ancient

monuments in the Cultural Triangle require


Group tour


Guide price months: Jan-Feb

Sri Lankan Airlines flight upgrades


steep climbing, including ascending more than

1,800 steps in one instance.

Tour variations: Due to changes to seasonal

schedules and opening times, there are minor

itinerary variations for certain departure dates.

Please check with your Cox & Kings travel

consultant for details.







Out (Wed) Rtn (Tue)

24 Jan 24 06 Feb 24

31 Jan 24 13 Feb 24



Out (Wed) Rtn (Tue)

28 Feb 24 12 Mar 24

13 Nov 24 26 Nov 24

Out (Wed) Rtn (Tue)

22 Jan 25 04 Feb 25

29 Jan 25 11 Feb 25

Tour code: SCN

Out (Wed) Rtn (Tue)

26 Feb 25 11 Mar 25

12 Nov 25 25 Nov 25




121

The Far East


Intriguing, exotic and spiritual, the Far East is a destination where even the most seasoned

traveller can discover something new. The calming allure of temples is contrasted by the

bright lights and fast pace of its cities; verdant green rice paddies are offset by glorious,

isolated beaches; and tranquil villages by bustling street-food markets, chock full of

local delicacies. Visitors can wonder at the Great Wall of China and Halong Bay, explore the

Mekong Delta, and stay in traditional accommodation such as Japan’s ryokans.

Whether your style of travel requires luxury cruises on the Mekong River, relaxing on

beaches in Thailand or discovering traditional cultures in China and Japan, our dedicated

team of Far East experts will help you to discover the best of this enigmatic continent.

Discover the Far East

124 Japan

128 South-East Asia

134 Mekong cruising


126 Japan’s Cultural Treasures

130 Spirit of Vietnam

132 Grand Tour of Indochina

136 China Experience

138 China: The Grand Tour

140 Taiwan: The Beautiful Island









Image left: Hanoi, Vietnam, as seen on the ‘Grand Tour of Indochina’ tour p. 132

123

FAR EAST • JAPAN

Discover Japan

Japan is a country like no other, at once

futuristic and high tech but also with a

strong sense of tradition and exceptional

natural beauty. Cities that set the trend for

the modern world rub side by side with

timeworn temples and gardens, snowy

volcanic peaks, valleys of spring cherry

blossom, remote mountains and

subtropical islands.

Experience the modern buzz of Tokyo,

discover the imperial past of Kyoto, retreat

to a Buddhist temple on Mount Koya, see

the snow monkeys in Yudanaka, or take part

in a traditional tea ceremony. High-speed

rail links mean that you can discover much

of the diversity of this country in comfort.

Tokyo

Neon cityscapes • World-class restaurants •

Ancient temples, palaces & gardens

Kyoto

Zen gardens, pavilions & temples • Geisha

district • Arashiyama bamboo grove

Asakusa Kannon temple, Tokyo

One of the largest and most densely populated

cities in the world, Tokyo merits several days’

exploration. A good starting point is the

Asakusa Kannon temple (Sensoji), the city’s

largest Buddhist temple and a popular meeting

place for locals. Nearby is Nakamise-dori, one

of Japan’s oldest shopping streets, where you’ll

find crafts and tempting street food. The East

Gardens of the Imperial Palace are open to the

public, where paths wind through manicured

lawns and waterlilies top pretty ponds. The

displays of the Tokyo National Museum could

take up a full day, while the districts of Ginza,

Shibuya and Shinjuku are lined with video

screens and gleaming department stores – the

classic vision of Tokyo by night.

The nation’s capital from the eighth century

until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Kyoto is

known today as the cultural heart of Japan.

Historical treasures here include Kinkakuji (the

Golden Pavilion), covered entirely in glittering

gold leaf; and Nijo Castle. Other highlights

include Sanjusangendo Hall, known as the

‘Temple of 1,001 Images of Buddha’; and the

Fushimi Inari shrine, with its long arcades of

vermilion torii (shrine gates). Gion, Kyoto's

geisha district, is an area of hushed narrow

lanes and hidden alleys where you may come

across geisha going between appointments.

Arashiyama, to the west, is an area of wooded

hills, lakes and towering bamboo groves, and is

especially beautiful in cherry blossom season.

Arashiyama bamboo forest, Kyoto

124


Hiroshima

Visit the A-Bomb Museum & Peace Memorial

Park • Carp Castle

Hiroshima needs no introduction, as the

first city on Earth to be hit by an atomic

bomb, although these days it is a young and

prospering city. The A-Bomb Museum & Peace

Memorial Park was built by the people of the

city to symbolise their wishes for everlasting

peace. It encompasses the Peace Memorial

Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph and the

Flame of Peace. The city’s castle, sometimes

called Carp Castle, was originally constructed

in 1589. Much of it was dismantled following

the Meiji Restoration, leaving only the donjon

(castle keep), the main gates and turrets.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Experiences in Japan

Tea ceremony, Kyoto

Experience an audience with a maiko

(apprentice geisha), who will entertain

you with dances and some traditional

games over afternoon tea. With a

translator on hand to assist, this

experience is an opportunity to gain an

understanding of this fascinating and

highly ritualised tradition.

Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi, Hakone National Park

Hakone National Park

Hakone Open-Air Museum • Lake cruises,

museums & hot springs

Located 100km south-west of Tokyo, Hakone

National Park is a picturesque landscape of

lakes, valleys and volcanoes. The park can

be visited on a day trip from Tokyo, while

an overnight stay allows more time for

exploration. Attractions include the Hakone

Tozan mountain railway, numerous hot

springs that provide thermal waters to many

of the bath houses and ryokans in the region,

and scenic cruises across Lake Ashi to

Hakone Botanical Garden. A cable-car ride

up Mount Komagatake offers superb views

of Mount Fuji.

Kanazawa

Kenroku-en garden, Kanazawa

The beautiful garden of Kenroku-en •

Nagamachi district, home of the samurai

Kanazawa, on the west coast of Honshu island,

grew in importance from the 15th century,

when the Ikko and Maeda clans chose the

town for their headquarters and it came

to rival Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) in cultural

significance. The Nagamachi district at the

foot of Kanazawa Castle is where the samurai

(a military nobility) used to reside, and it

retains a historical atmosphere with its

remaining samurai mansions, earthen walls,

narrow lanes and canal. Kanazawa is also

notable for Kenroku-en, considered one of

Japan's most beautiful gardens.

Sumo stable visit, Tokyo

A visit to a sumo stable to see asageiko

(morning training) provides an insight

into the lives of sumo wrestlers and

the dedication that’s required to excel

in this sport. We can also arrange for

you to attend one of the large annual

tournaments held in Tokyo, Fukuoka,

Nagoya and Osaka.

Small-group food tours in Tokyo,

Kyoto, Hiroshima & Osaka

Discover where locals eat on an escorted

tour to a range of restaurants, teahouses,

bars and street stalls. Each city has its

own specialities, and these tours are a

wonderful opportunity to try them for

yourself and gain an understanding of the

importance of food to Japanese culture.

Ryokans of Japan

The origins of ryokan, traditional Japanese

inns, can be traced back to the Nara period

(710–784AD) as rest houses for travellers, with

a tradition of good food and hospitality that

continues today. Guestrooms are often simply

decorated, featuring tatami straw mats and

futon bedding, and a traditional multi-course

kaiseki dinner is usually included. Many have

onsen (hot spring) facilities, with shared or

private hot spring baths. Some ryokan are

located in the older, more traditional areas of

towns, while others are set within stunning

natural landscapes.


125

FAR EAST • JAPAN

Japan’s

Cultural Treasures






people (max 24)

Kyoto



upgrades available

Direct international flights



10 breakfasts & 4 lunches


fees included

Bullet train travel

Cherry blossom season departures


Weather

Tokyo


A 10 10 13 19 23 25 29 31 27 21 17 12

B 0 1 4 9 14 18 22 24 20 14 8 3

C 43 58 94 119 132 181 128 147 181 158 84 44


A 6 6 10 17 22 25 29 30 26 20 14 8

B -2 -1 1 7 12 16 21 22 17 11 5 0

C 78 83 111 134 142 228 214 126 181 111 78 65




Discover the cultural heritage of Japan on

this exciting journey through the country’s

main island of Honshu. Begin with an

exploration of Tokyo and the nearby Hakone

National Park, visit the tranquil Kenroku-en

garden and the castle of Kanazawa before

exploring the imperial city of Kyoto, with its

many temples and shrines. Experience the

sombre modern history of Hiroshima, then

visit the picturesque island of Miyajima with

its celebrated torii gate. Finish with a visit to

Himeji, famed for its castle and gardens.


Traditional tea ceremony experience

and cooking class in Kyoto

Visit Shirakawago to see the UNESCOlisted

gasshō-zukuri houses

Tour the Nomura Samurai House

historic home and garden

Try your hand at Bonsai tree shaping

in Tokyo

Day 1: Fly to Tokyo


connections available) to Tokyo Haneda airport

with British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Tokyo

Arrive and transfer to the Grand Prince

Hotel New Takanawa (or similar) for 3 nights.

(N)

Day 3: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Full-day excursion to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu

National Park for views of Mount Fuji, a

cruise on Lake Ashi and a ride on the Mount

Kenroku-en garden, Kanazawa

Komagatake Ropeway (cable car). Enjoy a

welcome lunch. (B, L)

Day 4: Tokyo

Full-day tour visiting Asakusa Kannon temple,

Tokyo National Museum, the Imperial East

Garden and the peaceful Meiji shrine. Visit the

Shunkaen Bonsai Museum to try your hand

shaping a bonsai tree. (B, L)

Day 5: Kanazawa

Morning departure by shinkansen (bullet train)

to Kanazawa. Visit Kanazawa castle park,

Kenroku-en garden and the Nomura Samurai

House. Stay 2 nights at the Crowne Plaza ANA

Kanazawa (or similar). (B, L)

Day 6: Kanazawa • Shirakawago

Morning visit to the Higashichaya District,

full of teahouses and craft shops; and

Omicho market. Attend a Hakuichi gold leaf

workshop. Afternoon excursion to Shirakawago

to see the UNESCO-listed gasshō-zukuri houses,

notable for their unique architectural style. (B)

Days 7 & 8: Kyoto

Travel by express train to Kyoto. Visits

include Nijo Castle, a walking tour of Nishiki

market to browse the numerous food stalls,

and the WAK cultural centre, housed in a

wooden townhouse known as a machiya, for a

cooking class and a traditional tea ceremony

experience. The following day is at leisure

to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Stay 2

nights at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo

(or similar). (B)

Day 9: Kyoto • Hiroshima

Morning visit to Kinkakuji temple (Golden

Pavilion), then Ryoanji temple, famous for its

Zen rock garden. Afternoon tour of the historic

city of Nara, then continue to Osaka to catch

the bullet train south to Hiroshima. Stay 2

nights at the Granvia Hiroshima / Sheraton

Hiroshima (or similar). (B)

126


REGION

Floating torii gate, Miyajima

Day 10: Miyajima island • Hiroshima

Take the ferry to Miyajima island to visit the

Itsukushima shrine and see the torii gate.

Return to the mainland and take the train

back to the city to visit the Hiroshima Peace

Memorial Park and the Memorial Museum. (B)

Day 11: Himeji • Tokyo

Board a bullet train for the journey north

to Himeji city. Take a tour of Himeji Castle,

which, unlike most castles in Japan, is still in

its original form and is arguably the finest

example of medieval castle architecture in

the country. Afterwards, take a stroll in

the Koko-en gardens, which consist of

nine separate, walled gardens with ponds,

waterfalls and a tea ceremony house. Enjoy a

farewell lunch. Travel by train on to Tokyo, and

stay at the Royal Park Haneda (or similar) for

1 night. (B, L)


Transfer to the airport and board a flight back

to London, arriving later the same day. (B)



FESTIVAL DEPARTURES

Cherry blossom season

Hanami (‘flower viewing’) is the traditional

Japanese custom of enjoying the blossoming

cherry trees from March to early May, and

specifically in Tokyo and Kyoto in early April.

Cherry blossom can be seen on many of the

excursions on the March and April departures.


Accommodation: Please note that in Japan the

average room sizes can be significantly smaller

than in Europe.

Itinerary: Excursions on Day 3 and 4 may be

switched, subject to local conditions. Please

note that travellers will need to pack an

overnight bag for Days 5–6 and 9–10, as main

luggage will be transferred separately

between hotels.


Group tour




World Traveller from £495 return






you, but note that the cost of travelling on a

private basis rather than as part of a group

is significantly higher in Japan than in most

countries. This is because of the very high

costs of private guides and vehicles. To reduce

costs, a similar itinerary can be booked

using public transport and some self-guided

excursions. Please call 020 3930 5233 or visit







Out (Mon) Rtn (Fri)

18 Mar 24 29 Mar 24

25 Mar 24 05 Apr 24

01 Apr 24 12 Apr 24

Out (Mon) Rtn (Fri)

08 Apr 24 19 Apr 24

07 Oct 24 18 Oct 24

04 Nov 24 15 Nov 24

Tour code: JCT



Out (Mon) Rtn (Fri)

10 Mar 25 21 Mar 25

17 Mar 25 28 Mar 25

24 Mar 25 04 Apr 25

31 Mar 25 11 Apr 25

Out (Mon) Rtn (Fri)

07 Apr 25 18 Apr 25

06 Oct 25 17 Oct 25

03 Nov 25 14 Nov 25




127

FAR EAST • SOUTH-EAST ASIA

Discover South-East Asia

Intertwined along the eastern edge of the

Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam, Laos and

Cambodia are fascinating destinations,

all with a colonial legacy yet each with a

distinctive history, culture and landscape.

Explore karst-strewn bays, stepped paddies,

historic towns, glorious beaches and the

languid Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Cambodia

is home to the temples of Angkor, the

magnificent legacy of the Khmer empire, as

well as lush jungle and beautiful coastline.

For many years, Laos was over-shadowed

by its neighbours. Today, it is still a laid-back

country while the Buddhist culture lends its

people a delightful charm.

IMAGE

Hanoi, Vietnam

Colonial buildings • Lively markets &

street food

IMAGE

Flower vendors, Hanoi

The Vietnamese capital is a mix of tree-lined

avenues, maze-like backstreets and fine colonial

buildings from the era of French rule. Visitors

to the city can see various sites connected with

the life of the former revolutionary and political

leader, Ho Chi Minh. Also of interest are the

900-year-old Temple of Literature, Vietnam's

principal Confucian sanctuary; the Museum of

Ethnology, which details the history and culture

of Vietnam's many ethnic minority groups;

and Hoan Kiem Lake, which encompasses Jade

Island and the Ngoc Son Temple. The city has a

lively street food scene – be sure to try a bowl

of pho, a warming broth with noodles and slices

of chicken or beef flavoured with chilli, fresh

herbs and lime.

Cruising in the

Gulf of Tonkin

Towering limestone karsts • Range of vessels

including traditional Vietnamese junks

In northern Vietnam, the Gulf of Tonkin

encompasses the three bays of Halong, Lan Ha

and Bai Tu Long. Bai Tu Long Bay occupies the

far north of the region, Halong Bay is the most

well-known and busiest area, while Lan Ha is a

quieter, less-visited bay and includes the large

island of Cat Ba.

The geography of all three areas features a

number of small islands, beaches, floating

villages and spectacular limestone karst

formations. Easily reached from Hanoi via a twoto

three-hour drive, an overnight cruise here is

the best way to get the most from your visit.

Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam

128


The Angkor Temples,

Cambodia

Magnificent temples, carvings & jungle •

Explore with an expert private guide

These magnificent temples are protected

within the Angkor Archaeological Park,

just a 20-minute drive from Siem Reap.

The monuments belong to the classic period

of Khmer art and civilisation. They were

created by a succession of Khmer kings who

presided over an empire that dominated

the region from 800AD to 1430AD, reaching

its peak in the 12th century. From the

15th century, the temples were abandoned

and forgotten; the French naturalist Henri

Mouhot is attributed with their rediscovery

in 1861.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Highlights include the walled and moated

royal city of Angkor Thom, the giant stone

faces of Bayon and the huge three-tiered

pyramid of Angkor Wat. At least two full days

are recommended to get the most from the

site, allowing time to visit some of the outer

temples such as Preah Khan, Neak Pean,

Prasat Kravan or Pre Rup.

Temple in National Palace Museum, Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Laos

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An, Vietnam

The National Museum of Cambodia , Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Buddhist temples & colonial architecture

The former royal capital of Luang Prabang is

considered to be the best-preserved historic

town in South-East Asia, with a UNESCOprotected

old town district that encompasses

a distinctive combination of Buddhist temples,

French colonial architecture and historic

Laotian buildings. The town has a beautiful

setting, founded on a peninsula formed by the

Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers against a

backdrop of verdant mountains.

With numerous quiet temples to visit and

back streets to wander, the town rewards a

leisurely stay, but the National Palace Museum,

and Wat Mai, the city’s largest temple, are

the highlights.

Charming coastal resort • Distinct Chinese

architecture

The ancient Vietnamese town of Hoi An is

located 30km south of Danang on the banks

of the Thu Bon River. Occupied by many

early western traders, Hoi An was one of the

major trading centres of South-East Asia in

the 16th century. This laid-back town has a

distinct Chinese atmosphere with low, tileroofed

houses and narrow streets; the original

structure of some of these streets remains

almost intact.

Hoi An is known for being a culinary hotspot

and is an excellent place to learn about

Vietnamese cuisine. Speak to one of our Far

East specialists about arranging a food tour or

a cooking class here.

Reveals Cambodia’s recent history • Relaxed

riverside setting

Set on the confluence of three rivers,

Cambodia’s capital is a jumble of colonial

buildings, tranquil temples, frenetic markets

and broad avenues. Phnom Penh’s blend of

cultural influences can be seen in its landmark

buildings, including the Khmer Royal Palace,

the tucked-away Chinese temples, and the

French-Indochinese Central Post Offce,

National Library and Royal Railway Station.

The darkest chapter of Cambodian history

is remembered at the Tuol Seng Museum of

Genocide, and at Choeung Ek – one of the

infamous Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge,

where a memorial stupa now stands.


129

FAR EAST • VIETNAM

Spirit of

Vietnam







people (max 18)



upgrades available

Direct international & internal flights





fees included

Welcome dinner

Day at leisure in Hoi An

Porterage at hotels

Weather

Hanoi


A 20 20 23 27 32 33 33 32 31 29 25 22

B 14 15 18 21 25 26 26 26 25 22 19 15

C 22 28 42 97 181 242 258 297 225 125 57 19

Ho Chi Minh City


A 31 32 33 34 33 32 31 31 31 31 31 31

B 21 22 23 24 25 24 24 24 24 23 23 22

C 15 8 23 63 183 261 257 249 270 255 156 65




Discover the varied sights, sounds and

flavours of Vietnam, touring the fascinating

cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon),

the Vietnam War-era Cu Chi Tunnels and the

historic pearls of Hue and Hoi An. A tour of

the Mekong Delta and an overnight cruise

amid the magical landscapes of Lan Ha Bay

are also included.


Tour the Hanoi Military History Museum

and meet a former NVA pilot

Cruise in the less-visited Lan Ha Bay

Meal at a restored royal home of the

Nguyen dynasty in Hue

Full-day exploration of the Mekong

Delta’s waterways

Day 1: Fly to Hoi Chi Minh City


connections available) direct to Ho Chi Minh

City with Vietnam Airlines. (N)

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City

Morning arrival. Transfer to the Grand Hotel

(or similar) for 2 nights. Afternoon city tour

with visits to the Reunification Palace, Notre

Dame Cathedral, the War Remnants Museum

and a former safe house used by the Viet Cong.

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Lan Ha Bay

Day 4: Cu Chi Tunnels

Morning drive through the southern Vietnamese

countryside and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Continue to the airport for an afternoon

flight to Hue. Stay at the Pilgrimage Village

for 2 nights. (B)

Day 5: Hue

Morning visit to Hue citadel, which encompasses

the numerous pavilions, temples and courtyards

of the former Imperial City, including the Purple

Forbidden City. Continue to Thien Mu pagoda,

then take a short cruise on the Perfume River

back to the city centre. In the afternoon, visit the

tombs of the Nguyen emperors Tu Duc and Khai

Dinh. Lunch today is at a restored royal home of

the Nguyen dynasty. (B, L)

Day 6: Hue • Danang

Morning drive over the spectacular Hai Van

Pass (weather permitting) to Hue, visiting the

Museum of Cham Sculpture in Danang en

route. Afternoon at leisure. Stay 3 nights at the

beachfront Boutique Hoi An Resort. (B, L)

Day 7: Hoi An

Morning tour of the ruined temple of My Son.

Lunch at Streets International restaurant, a

social enterprise with the purpose of developing

sustainable programmes for street children.

In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the

former trading port of Hoi An, which has historic

Chinese, Japanese and European influences.

(B, L)

Day 8: Hoi An

Day at leisure. Optional classes at the

Vy’s Market Restaurant (payable locally). (B)

Day 3: Mekong Delta

Full-day exploration of the Mekong Delta,

including a trip to Cai Be town, a boat ride

exploring the smaller channels, and walking in

the countryside. (B, L)

Day 9: Fly to Hanoi

Fly to Hanoi and transfer to the Grand Mercure

Hotel for a 2-night stay. Optional evening

excursion to a water puppet show (payable

locally). (B, D)

130


REGION

Hoi An

Day 10: Hanoi

Morning tour of the National Museum of

History, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son temple

and the Temple of Literature. Afternoon visit

to Ba Dinh Square. Walk outside Ho Chi Minh’s

mausoleum, then visit the residence and One

Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Military History

Museum and meet former North Vietnamese

Army pilot, Nguyen Hong My. (B, L)

Day 11: Cruise on Lan Ha Bay

Cruise today in an area similar to Halong

Bay but with far fewer visitors, known as Lan

Ha Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin. Stay overnight

onboard the Indochine. Tonight, enjoy a

farewell dinner. (B, L, D)


Morning cruise in Lan Ha Bay. Disembark and

drive to Hanoi, where a hotel room is available

for the rest of the day. Early evening transfer to

the airport, then fly direct to London, arriving

the following day. (B) (N)



Tour + Ankor Wat temples


After your visit to Vietnam, take the

opportunity to discover the Angkor Wat

temples in neighbouring Cambodia. Please

ask about private extensions to visit this

spectacular site, based on tailor-made

touring arrangements with 4- and 5-star

accommodation in Siem Reap. If you would

prefer a group tour, then please see the


Group tour






Vietnam Airlines flight upgrades



‘Grand Tour of Indochina’ itinerary on the

following page, which visits both countries.








Private tour






Tour code: SPV



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + beach stay

4 days & 3 nights

End your tour on one of Vietnam’s beautiful

beaches. Choose from a range of 4- and

5-star options on the island of Phu Quoc,

off the coast of southern Vietnam; a stay on

the white sands of Nha Trang; or luxury villa

accommodation at Six Senses Con Dao.





Out (Sat) Rtn (Thu)

06 Jan 24 18 Jan 24

17 Feb 24 29 Feb 24

Out (Sat) Rtn (Thu)

12 Oct 24 24 Oct 24

09 Nov 24 21 Nov 24

Out (Sat) Rtn (Thu)

04 Jan 25 16 Jan 25

15 Feb 25 27 Feb 25

Out (Sat) Rtn (Thu)

11 Oct 25 23 Oct 25

08 Nov 24 20 Nov 25




131

FAR EAST • VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LAOS

Grand Tour

of Indochina







people (max 18)



upgrades available






Welcome & farewell dinners

Day at leisure in Hoi An for

independent exploration

Porterage at hotels

Weather

Phnom Penh, Cambodia


A 32 32 34 34 34 33 32 32 31 31 30 30

Your grand Indochina journey begins in

Vietnam, a rapidly developing and vibrant

country. Explore the Mekong Delta, then visit

the captivating kingdom of Cambodia, ending

at the majestic temples of Angkor Wat.


Ancient stone faces of Bayon Temple, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

for underprivileged youths in Vietnam. This

evening, there is the opportunity to see a water

puppet show (payable locally). (B, L)

Day 4: Cruise on Lan Ha Bay

Today, cruise in an area similar to Halong Bay

but with far fewer visitors, known as Lan Ha Bay,

in the Gulf of Tonkin. Overnight accommodation

on board the Indochine. (B, L, D)

B 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 25 24 24 23 22

C 6 8 29 68 166 156 149 162 245 263 115 27

Hanoi, Vietnam


A 20 20 23 27 32 33 33 32 31 29 25 22

B 14 15 18 21 25 26 26 26 25 22 19 15

C 22 28 42 97 181 242 258 297 225 125 57 19




Cruise in the less-visited Lan Ha

Bay, Vietnam

Enjoy a meal in a restored royal home

from the Nguyen dynasty era in Hue,

Vietnam

Sunset boat ride on Angkor Thom

moat, Cambodia

Farewell dinner in the Angkor

Archaeological Park, Cambodia

Day 1: Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam


connections available) to Hanoi, with Vietnam

Airlines. (N)

Day 2: Hanoi

Arrive and transfer to The Ann Hanoi Hotel

(or similar) for a 2-night stay. Enjoy a welcome

dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (D)

Day 3: Hanoi

Visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, One Pillar

Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Museum

of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son

Temple. Lunch is at KOTO restaurant, an

organisation that provides vocational training

Day 5: Fly to Danang • Hoi An

Morning cruise around the karst limestone

islands. Disembark in the late morning and

drive to Hanoi Airport for an evening flight to

Danang. Transfer to the beachfront Boutique

Hoi An Resort for a 3-night stay. (B)

Day 6: Hoi An

Morning walking tour of Hoi An. Lunch at

Streets International restaurant, a social

enterprise with the aim of developing and

operating sustainable programmes for street

children. Afternoon at leisure, or join an

optional excursion to the ruined temples of

My Son (payable locally). (B, L)

Day 7: Hoi An

Day at leisure. Optional class at the Red Bridge

cooking school (payable locally). (B)

Day 8: Hue

Morning drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass

to Hue (weather permitting), stopping at Cham

Museum en route. Afternoon visit to the tombs

of the Nguyen emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.

Either lunch or dinner today will be at a restored

royal home of the Nguyen dynasty. Stay 1 night

at the Pilgrimage Village. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel

132


REGION

and the Purple Forbidden City, followed by a

river cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda. Transfer to

the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Stay 3

nights at the Grand Hotel. (B)

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Morning drive through the countryside to the

Cu Chi Tunnels. Afternoon city tour, visiting the

Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral

and the War Remnants Museum. (B)

Day 11: Mekong Delta

Drive to Cai Be, and explore the Mekong Delta

by boat and on foot. (B, L)

Day 16: Angkor temples

Morning excursion to Banteay Srei temple and

the small island temple of Neak Pean. Transfer

to the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. (B)


Fly to London (N)




Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam








Tour code: LVX

Day 12: Fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Fly to Phnom Penh and transfer to La Rose

Boutique Hotel & Spa for a 2-night stay. (B)

Day 13: Phnom Penh

Morning visit to the Royal Palace, the Silver

Pagoda and the National Museum. Afternoon

tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and

the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. (B, L)

Day 14: Fly to Siem Reap

Fly to Siem Reap and stay at Tara Angkor Hotel

for 2 nights. Afternoon visit to the Angkor

National Museum. (B)

Day 15: Angkor temples

Full-day tour of the temples. In the morning

visit the magnificent Angkor Wat. Return to

Siem Reap for lunch. In the afternoon explore

the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of

the Leper King and the Bayon Temple. Watch

the sun set with a boat ride on Angkor Thom

moat, drink in hand. Farewell dinner at

Khmer House, Srah Srang, within the

Angkor Archaeological Park. (B, L, D)

Group tour




Guide price months: Mar


Vietnam Airlines flight upgrades







Out (Tue) Rtn (Thu)

23 Jan 24 08 Feb 24

27 Feb 24 14 Mar 24

15 Oct 24 31 Oct 24

29 Oct 24 14 Nov 24

Out (Tue) Rtn (Thu)

05 Nov 24 21 Nov 24

12 Nov 24 28 Nov 24

07 Jan 25 23 Jan 25

21 Jan 25 06 Feb 25

Private tour








Out (Tue) Rtn (Thu)

18 Feb 25 06 Mar 25

25 Feb 25 13 Mar 25

04 Mar 24 20 Mar 25

14 Oct 25 30 Oct 25

Out (Tue) Rtn (Thu)

21 Oct 25 06 Nov 25

04 Nov 25 20 Nov 25

11 Nov 25 27 Nov 25




133

FAR EAST • VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LAOS

Discover Mekong River Cruising

The Mekong meanders some 4,900km

through South-east Asia to the South

China Sea. Across its vital course there is

a constant flow of boats – fishing, ferrying,

and forming floating markets.

A Mekong cruise provides rewarding

glimpses of daily life here. Most routes sail

between Vietnam and Cambodia, while

more adventurous voyages take in Laos and

Thailand. Cox & Kings has selected only the

best vessels for navigating these waterways.

Shore excursions – using smaller, secondary

boats – take you to riverside villages and

reveal their trades, from silk weaving to fish

farming. You are escorted by local Englishspeaking

guides who can offer valuable

insights into life on the Mekong.

Aqua Mekong

Award-winning architecture • Suites with

panoramic views

Operated by Aqua Expeditions, this 62-metre

luxury ship specialises in Mekong cruises

between Vietnam and Cambodia. The vessel

has won plaudits for its architecture, including

Gold at the Asia Hotel Design Awards. Guests

are accommodated across 20 air-conditioned

suites, whose floor-to-ceiling windows overlook

the waters – ideal for idle gazing at the

riverine scenery as it gently slips by. The onboard

facilities are 5-star, and include a fully

equipped gym, screening room, observation

deck, swimming pool, outdoor cinema, and

restaurant – with a menu overseen by a

Michelin-starred chef.

Aqua Mekong offers guided excursions aboard

its private tenders, visiting Buddhist temples,

stilt-top villages, and natural beauty spots for

hiking and kayaking. The crew-to-guest ratio

of 1 to 1 ensures you’re given the utmost

attention during your cruise, whether you opt

for a three-night expedition or a full week

on board.

Aqua Mekong

Aqua Mekong sun deck

Aqua Mekong double Design Suite with balcony

134


Bassac Pandaw

1920s character • Exploratory itineraries

The Pandaw fleet are replicas of colonial-era

steamers, finished in teak and brass in a 1920s

style. Their shallow draft makes it possible to

cruise to otherwise inaccessible areas of the

Mekong. The Bassac Pandaw sails between

Cambodia and Vietnam, accommodating

guests across 30 staterooms – each with

private deck space. Asian and European cuisine

is served in the dining room, which is open to

the gentle breeze during the day and closed

and air-conditioned come the night. On the

upper deck, you can clink glasses at the cocktail

bar, or enjoy the views from the sun deck –

part-shaded by an awning. Further facilities

include a library, a lecture room, a gallery, and

a fair-trade shop. There are optional activities

as well as cultural performances to enliven life

on board.

Pandaw Expeditions

Jayavarman

Named after the 12th-century Khmer king, Jayavarman plies the Lower

Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam, offering three-, four-, and

seven-night expeditions. Its interior incorporates French-colonial and

Khmer designs into décor that is distinctly art deco. Each of the 27

cabins boasts a private river-view balcony. Facilities include a salon and

spa; an observatory; a dining room; a bar and lounge; a library; and a

sun deck with pool.

Jahan

This Heritage Line vessel is the sister ship to the Jayavarman and named

in honour of Shah Jahan – the 16th-century Mughal ruler and conceiver

of the Taj Mahal. Traditional Indian and British-colonial styling runs

throughout, from the 26 cabins to the Raj-inspired lounge. Further

facilities onboard the Jahan include a restaurant serving Asian fusion

cuisine; a bar mixing signature cocktails; a spa; an outdoor pool; a gym;

and an observatory.

Suggested itinerary

A River Journey on

the Mekong

14 days & 12 nights


Category • Luxury

Explore the sights and sounds along the

Mekong as you journey between Vietnam

and Cambodia. This cruise can be taken

either up or downstream, ending or

beginning at the temples of Angkor.

Day 1: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Catch your flight to Vietnam. (N)

Days 2 & 3: Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive and transfer to the Caravelle Hotel for

2 nights. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. (B, L)

Day 4: Mekong

Transfer to My Tho to board the Jayavarman

or Jahan for a 7-night cruise to Siem Reap,

Cambodia. (B, D)

Day 5: Cai Be • Sa Dec • Binh Thanh island

Take a boat trip around Cai Be to see the

floating market, and explore the islands and

orchards of the delta. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Tan Chau

Visit a local market and village that specialises

in catfish farming, then cross the border into

Cambodia. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Full-day tour of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s

bustling capital. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Angkor Ban & temples

Visit the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat

Hanchey and enjoy views of the countryside.

(B, L, D)

Day 9: Koh Oknha Tey

Sail downstream and stop at the island of

Koh Oknha Tey, notable for its manufacture

of high-quality silk products. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Kampong Chhnang • Tonle Sap

Take a walking tour to see Khmer pottery and

palm sugar production, then cruise along the

narrow Tonle river into the vast Tonle Sap

lake (subject to river levels). (B, L, D)

Day 11: Siem Reap

Early morning crossing of Tonle Sap lake, then

transfer to Siem Reap. Stay at the Belmond La

Résidence d’Angkor for 3 nights. (B)

Days 12 & 13: Angkor temples

Explore picturesque Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat,

Angkor Thom, and some of the smaller

temples of Angkor, including the Roluos

Group and Banteay Srei. (B)

Day 14: Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your departure

flight. (B)

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5233



135

FAR EAST • CHINA

China

Experience








upgrades available

Average group size 10 people

(max 18)


British Airways

Internal trains as specified


vehicles




fees included


Weather

Beijing


A 2 4 11 20 27 30 31 30 26 19 10 3

B -10 -7 -1 7 13 18 22 20 14 7 -1 -7

C 2 4 7 18 29 65 152 143 42 18 7 2

Shanghai


A 7 8 12 18 23 27 31 31 27 22 17 10

B 0 1 5 10 16 20 25 25 21 14 9 2

C 43 60 84 103 115 159 135 136 152 58 52 37




Enjoy a taste of China on this outstanding

tour of the country’s principal sights.

In Beijing, explore the Forbidden City,

Tiananmen Square and an excursion to

the Great Wall. See the famous Terracotta

Warriors in Xian and the ancient city of

Nanjing. Finish in vibrant Shanghai and

witness the huge economic changes taking

place in China today.


Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden

City and the Great Wall of China

Discover ancient Ming dynasty history

in the city of Nanjing

See the famous Terracotta Warriors in

the ancient city of Xian

Take a scenic cruise on the Qinhuai

river in Nanjing

Day 1: Fly to Beijing


connections available) direct to Beijing with


Day 2: Beijing

Arrive and transfer to the Novotel Xingqiao (or

Terracota Warriors, Xian

similar) for 3 nights. The rest of the day is at

leisure. Attend a welcome dinner this evening.

(D)

Day 3: Beijing

Morning visit to the key historic sites of

Tiananmen Square and the adjacent Forbidden

City. After lunch, visit one of Beijing’s traditional

hutong neighbourhoods. (B)

Day 4: Great Wall of China

Full-day excursion to the Great Wall at

Mutianyu, a scenic section of the wall north of

Beijing. (B, L)

Day 5: Xian

Morning at leisure. Afternoon high-speed train

journey to Xian, then transfer to the Grand

Noble Xian hotel for a 2-night stay. (B)

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors • Xian

Morning excursion to the legendary

Terracotta Warriors, followed by lunch at a

local restaurant. Afternoon visit to the city’s

atmospheric Muslim quarter and the Great

Mosque. Optional evening performance of a

Tang dynasty show. (B, L)

Day 7: Nanjing

Morning high-speed train to the city of

Nanjing, then stay overnight at the Grand

Trustel Mandarin Garden. Afternoon visit

to the imposing Zhonghua city gate and the

Confucius temple, then take a cruise along the

Qinhuai river. (B)

136


Day 8: Shanghai

Morning visit to the Memorial Hall of the

Nanjing Massacre, then continue to Ming

Xiaoling, the mausoleum of the Hongwu

Emperor, founder of the Ming Dynasty.

Afternoon high-speed train to Shanghai.

Stay at the Central Hotel for 2 nights. (B)


Accessibility: This tour involves climbing steps

and some long walks. A reasonable level of

fitness is required.

Forbidden City, Beijing







Day 9: Shanghai

Morning visit to the Jade Buddha temple, the

Yu Garden and a walk along the historic Bund.

Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, attend a farewell

dinner. (B, D)


Group tour



Private tour



Tour code: CXP


Transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)


Guide price months: Apr-May





TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Hong Kong


Fly from Shanghai direct to Hong Kong, a city

celebrated for its culture, cuisine, shopping

and magnificent skyline. It also holds many

surprises, including spectacular rural scenery,

the bays of Sai Kung and many quiet outlying

islands. Stay 3 nights at the Hotel Icon, then

board a direct flight back to London.



World Traveller Plus upgrade from £395 return









Out (Thu) Rtn (Sat)

18 Apr 24 27 Apr 24

02 May 24 11 May 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sat)

05 Sep 24 14 Sep 24

10 Oct 24 19 Oct 24

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sat)

17 Apr 25 26 Apr 25

01 May 25 10 May 25

Out (Thu) Rtn (Sat)

04 Sep 25 13 Sep 25

09 Oct 25 18 Oct 25




137

FAR EAST • CHINA

China:

The Grand Tour







people (max 18)

Weather

Beijing



upgrades available



vehicles



5 dinners




fees included

3-night cruise on the Yangtze River

from Chongqing to Yichang aboard

the 5-star luxury Victoria Jenna



A 2 4 11 20 27 30 31 30 26 19 10 3

B -10 -7 -1 7 13 18 22 20 14 7 -1 -7

C 2 4 7 18 29 65 152 143 42 18 7 2




This comprehensive tour of China visits the

treasures of Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors

at Xian, picturesque scenery between Guilin

and Yangshuo, and the pandas at Chengdu.

Cruise the Yangtze River between Chongqing

and Yichang, before ending the tour in the

dynamic city of Shanghai.


Discover historic Beijing in the

Liulichang district

Visit the Terracotta Warriors and enjoy

a cruise on the Yangtze River

Tour the less-visited Jinshanling section

of the Great Wall

Tea tasting at the Huxinting Teahouse

in Shanghai

Private expert-led tour of the Shanghai

Museum

Day 1: Fly to Beijing


connections available) direct to Beijing with


Day 2: Beijing

Arrive and transfer to the Novotel Peace Hotel

(or similar) for 3 nights. Afternoon visit to the

Temple of Heaven. Welcome dinner at a Peking

duck restaurant. (D)

Day 3: Beijing

Morning visit to Tiananmen Square and the

Forbidden City, then stroll through the historic

Liulichang district. Optional evening visit to the

state acrobatics show. (B, L)

Li River, Yangshuo, Guilin

Day 4: Great Wall of China

Morning drive out of the city to the Great Wall

at Jinshanling, a quiet and dramatic section of

the wall. (B, L)

Day 5: Xian

Morning visit to a hutong (narrow streets) area,

then drive to the railway station to board a

high-speed train to Xian, where you stay at the

Grand Noble Xian for 2 nights. (B)

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors • Xian

Morning excursion to the Terracotta Army and

the Tang Bo Art Museum, followed by a

lesson in Chinese calligraphy. Afternoon

visit to the Muslim quarter and Great Mosque.

Optional evening excursion to enjoy a

Tang dynasty music performance with

dinner. (B, L)

Day 7: Train to Chengdu

Morning high-speed train journey to

Chengdu, then transfer to the Kempinski

Hotel Chengdu for 1 night. Afternoon visit

to the Giant Panda Research Base. Optional

evening excursion to enjoy a Sichuan opera

performance. (B, L)

Day 8: Fly to Guilin

Fly to Guilin and overnight at the Sheraton

Guilin. (B)

Days 9 & 10: Yangshuo

Morning cruise down the Li River, past a

dramatic landscape of limestone peaks.

Arrive in Yangshuo and stroll along busy West

Street, then transfer to the Yangshuo Resort

for a 2-night stay. Following day at leisure to

enjoy the relaxed riverside atmosphere of

Yangshuo. (B)

Day 11: Chongqing

Train journey to Chongqing, then transfer to

the port to board the Victoria Jenna (or similar)

for a 3-night cruise to Yichang. (B, D)

138


REGION

The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling

Days 12 & 13: Yangtze River cruise

Cruise through the striking Three Gorges

section of the Yangtze, an area of towering

cliffs and twisting canyons. A range of shore

excursions are available, with entertainment

provided in the evenings. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Yichang • Train to Shanghai

Disembark in Yichang and visit the Three

Gorges Dam, then take the train to Shanghai.

Stay 2 nights at the Central Hotel. (B)

Day 15: Shanghai

Morning tour of Jade Buddha temple and

Yu Garden, followed by tea tasting at the

Huxinting Teahouse. Afternoon tour of the

Shanghai Museum with an expert guide, then

end the day with a walk along the historic

Bund. Tonight, attend a farewell dinner. (B, D)


Transfer to the airport and fly to London.

(B)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Hong Kong


Fly from Shanghai direct to Hong Kong, and

stay 3 nights at the Hotel Icon. Take a direct

flight back to London.


Itinerary: Excursions on Days 12 and 13 may

be switched, subject to local conditions.

Accessibility: This tour involves climbing steps

and some long walks. A reasonable level of

fitness is required.


Superior group tour




Guide price months: Sep-Oct











Superior private tour













Superior group tour departure dates for 2024-25

Out (Fri) Rtn (Sat)

15 Mar 24 30 Mar 24

06 Sep 24 21 Sep 24

Out (Fri) Rtn (Sat)

11 Oct 24 26 Oct 24

25 Oct 24 09 Nov 24

Out (Fri) Rtn (Sat)

14 Mar 25 29 Mar 25

05 Sep 25 20 Sep 25

Tour code: CGS

Out (Fri) Rtn (Sat)

10 Oct 25 25 Oct 25

24 Oct 25 08 Nov 25




139

FAR EAST • TAIWAN

Taiwan

The Beautiful Island







upgrades available


(max 18)



vehicles


9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners




fees included


Weather

Taipei


A 17 18 20 24 27 30 32 32 30 26 23 19

B 11 11 13 17 20 22 24 24 22 19 16 13

C 105 168 185 163 215 263 196 202 184 122 98 87

Tainan


A 24 24 26 29 31 31 32 32 32 30 28 25

B 13 13 16 19 22 24 24 24 23 21 17 14

C 30 45 56 72 172 360 419 440 164 50 33 29




Early Portuguese sailors named Taiwan

‘Ilha Formosa’ (‘Beautiful Island’) because of

its breathtaking scenery. On this tour, you

experience the island nation’s beauty firsthand,

as well as its cultural highlights. The

energetic capital, Taipei, is home to possibly

the best collection of Chinese artefacts

in the world, while Sun Moon Lake is an

atmospheric and scenic place to stay. The

countryside is perhaps the biggest surprise,

with deep gorges, snow-capped mountains,

hot springs and tea plantations.


Overnight at Fo Guang Shan monastery

and join the monks for prayers

Discover ancient Chinese treasures at

the National Palace Museum

Walk along nature trails in the stunning

Taroko gorge

Discover traditional Hakka culture at

Beipu village

Day 1: Fly to Taipei


available) direct to Taipei with China Airlines.

(N)

Tse-en Pagoda and Sun Moon Lake

Day 2: Taipei

Arrive and transfer to The Landis (or similar)

for 2 nights. Attend a welcome dinner this

evening. (D)

Day 3: Taipei

Full-day tour of Taipei, including the National

Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial

Hall, the Martyrs’ Shrine and Longshan Temple.

(B, L)

Days 4 & 5: Sun Moon Lake

Drive south to the village of Beipu, home to

members of the Hakka ethnic minority. See

the traditional architecture and sample Hakka

food, then continue to Sun Moon Lake for a

2-night stay at the Einhan Hotel. The following

day, take a short boat excursion on the lake,

then visit the Wenwu Temple and the Tse-en

Pagoda. (B)

Day 6: Alishan

Drive to the Alishan Forest Park, one of the

most spectacular mountainous regions of

Taiwan. Afternoon walking tour of the park.

Overnight at Alishan House. (B, D)

Day 7: Tainan • Fo Guang Shan monastery

Optional early morning ride on the Alishan

Forest Railway to see the sunrise (weather

permitting) from the summit of Mount

Alishan. After breakfast, drive to the charming

mountain township of Zhuqi, and take a stroll

down historic Fenchihu Old Street. Continue to

Tainan to visit Fort Anping and historic Yanping

140


REGION

Alishan Forest Park

Street. Then proceed to Fo Guang Shan, the

largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. Stay

overnight at the monastery guesthouse * . (B, D)

Day 8: Kenting • Hualien

Option to rise early and join the monks for

morning prayers. Drive south to Kenting

National Park, which protects an area of

low-lying hills, limestone caves, forests and

beaches. Explore the park on foot, then head

north towards Taitung. Stay 1 night at the

Hotel Royal Chihpen. (B)

Day 9: Sightseeing in the East Coast

National Scenic Area

Drive north through the East Coast National

Scenic Area towards Hualien, and stay 1 night

at the Fullon Hotel. Tonight, attend a farewell

dinner. (B, D)

Day 10: Taroko Gorge • Taipei

Morning tour of the remarkable Taroko Gorge

followed by a visit to the Eternal Spring Shrine

and the Swallow Grotto. Drive on to Taipei.

Stay overnight at The Landis. Options available

to extend your stay in Taipei. (B)


Fly direct to London with China Airlines. (B)




*

Fo Guang Shan monastery: Overnight stays

at the monastery are subject to availability.

If an unscheduled event is being held at the

monastery, a night at a nearby hotel will be

provided instead.


Group tour



China Airlines flight upgrades

Premium Economy from £1,425 return















Out (Fri) Rtn (Mon)

01 Mar 24 11 Mar 24

19 Apr 24 29 Apr 24

Out (Fri) Rtn (Mon)

25 Oct 24 04 Nov 24

15 Nov 24 25 Nov 24

Out (Fri) Rtn (Mon)

07 Mar 25 17 Mar 25

18 Apr 25 28 Apr 25

Tour code: TWP

Out (Fri) Rtn (Mon)

24 Oct 25 03 Nov 25

14 Nov 25 24 Nov 25




141

Europe


Europe is a patchwork of over 40 countries, each possessing its own culture, traditions and

languages, and often displaying incredible diversity – even to close neighbours. Compact,

ancient and beautiful, Europe offers some of the best cultural experiences in the world,

alongside stunning lakes and mountains, bucolic countryside and sun-soaked beaches.

Whether you wish to chase the northern lights in Iceland, explore the great Moorish palaces

of Andalucía, uncover Renaissance art in Italy or take a short break in lively Istanbul, our

Europe specialists will be able to arrange it all for you.

Discover Europe

144 Europe by rail

146 Italy

158 Spain & Portugal

164 Greece

170 Turkey & the Caucasus

180 The Balkans & beyond


148 NEW • Neapolitan Treasures: Caserta, Sorrento & Pompeii

150 Classic Sicily

152 Puglia & Basilicata

154 NEW • Lombardy & the Veneto by Rail

157 Majestic Malta

160 Splendours of Andalucía

162 Journey through the Heart of Spain

166 The Heart of Ancient Greece

168 The Wonders of Ancient Crete

172 Classical Turkey

176 Across the Southern Caucasus

182 Timeless Romania

184 NEW • Across Albania & Kosovo

Specialist-led tours

156 Ravenna: Mosaics & Marble

174 Istanbul: Byzantines & Ottomans

178 Armenia & Georgia: Treasures of the Caucasus

Tours featured on our website:

Journey Through the Baltic States









Image left: Matera, Italy, as seen on ‘Puglia & Basilicata’ tour, p. 152

143

EUROPE • RAIL JOURNEYS

Discover Europe by Rail

The golden age of rail travel: when the welldressed

and well-heeled reclined in art-deco

carriages, as they were whisked between

Europe’s grandest cities under towers of

steam. Yet you could argue that the true

golden age is now. It has never been easier

to explore the continent by train, thanks

to a large, integrated railway network and

high-speed services such as AVE in Spain

and Le Frecce in Italy.

We can arrange for you to join almost any

Cox & Kings tour in Europe by rail. Recreate

the famous route from London to Istanbul,

journey on impossibly scenic lines such as

Switzerland’s Alpine railway, and more.

Frecciarossa, Italy

High-speed travel • Visits popular Italian

cities • Offers four travel classes

The Frecciarossa – meaning ‘Red Arrow’ –

zips across Italy at up to 300km per hour.

Launched in 2008, this intercity train service

visits an array of popular destinations,

including Bologna, Naples, Florence and

Rome. Thanks to the Frecciarossa’s speed, the

570-kilometre journey between Bologna and

Naples – comparable to travelling from London

to Inverness – can take as little as 3.5 hours.

Passengers are accommodated in modern,

comfortable carriages, and can satisfy their

appetite in the buffet coach. Depending on

your preference, you can travel in Standard,

Premium, Business or Executive Class. The

Frecciarossa features on the ‘Lombardy &

Veneto by Rail’ tour, p.154.

AVE, Spain

High-speed travel • Visits key Spanish cities •

Offers three travel classes

‘Ave’ is the Spanish word for ‘bird’ – apt,

considering this rail service matches the dive

speeds of the peregrine falcon, the world’s

fastest animal. Each year, the trains of Alta

Velocidad Española (‘Spanish High Speed’) take

millions of passengers between Spain’s key

cities, including Barcelona, Cordoba, Madrid

and Seville. Recline in modern, air-conditioned

carriages in your choice of three classes. On

board, there is a buffet coach, multimedia

entertainment, generous luggage space, and

power outlets for keeping your devices topped

up. You can cover Madrid to Barcelona – a

distance of around 625km – in as little as

2.5 hours.

144


Experiences

Cross the Alps by Bernina Express

The Bernina Express rolls along Europe’s

highest, steepest railway – including the

UNESCO-listed Albula-Bernina stretch –

offering unmatched views of the Alps.

Panoramic windows frame ever-changing

vistas of plunging gorges, ice-capped

mountains and spectacular viaducts.

Ride the Rome-to-Sicily sleeper

Go to sleep in one city, wake up in another.

Italy’s sleeper trains allow you to combine

intercity travel with a comfortable overnight

stay. They can even take you all the way

from the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome to the island

of Sicily via a train ferry – an unusual and

unforgettable experience.

Take Bosnia–Herzegovina’s most

scenic route

The 129-kilometre rail journey from Sarajevo to

Mostar is one of Europe’s most scenic. Board

a modern Talgo train, with the option to travel

in First Class, then spend the next 2.5 hours

admiring views of forested mountains, glassy

lakes, and tucked-away villages.

Al Andalus luxury train, Spain

Glamorous 1920s interiors combine with 21stcentury

luxuries aboard Al Andalus. This is the

longest train on Spanish tracks, equalling the

length of a 150-storey skyscraper. Its vintage

carriages once accommodated British royalty

on a jaunt across France, while today they roll

along the sun-soaked south of Spain.

Passengers stay in en-suite, air-conditioned

cabins replete with period detail. The two

onboard restaurants serve Andalucían cuisine

expertly paired with sherries, liqueurs and

teas; while four lounges provide relaxed social

spaces for salon games, drinks and night-time

entertainment. Al Andalus offers a week-long

rail odyssey visiting Seville, Cordoba, Cadiz,

Ronda and Granada.

Suggested itinerary

Andalucía by Train

7 days & 6 nights



Using Spain’s fast and effcient AVE rail

service, this journey takes in the Roman,

Moorish and Catholic heritage of Andalucía.

Visit all three major cities of this distinctive

region of Spain: the Andalucían capital of

Seville with its immense cathedral, Córdoba

and its UNESCO-listed Mezquita, and

Granada, home to the exquisite Alhambra

Palace complex. Along the way, stay in

characterful 4-star hotels or choose historic

Hospes accommodation.

Day 1: Fly to Madrid • Córdoba

Fly to Madrid. Transfer to the station for the

train to Córdoba (approximately 2 hours).

Stay 2 nights at Hotel Amistad. (N)

Day 2: Córdoba

Full day at leisure to explore Córdoba, whose

Moorish legacy is spectacularly exemplified

by its grand mosque, the Mezquita. Other

highlights include the 14th-century Alcazar,

and La Juderia, the old Jewish quarter with its

labyrinthine streets. (B)

Day 3: Seville

Morning at leisure. Afternoon train to Seville.

Stay 2 nights at the Casas de le Juderia. (B)

Day 4: Seville

Day at leisure. Visit Seville Cathedral, Plaza

de España, and Alcázar Palace, a former royal

residence for centuries. (B)

Day 5: Granada

Morning at leisure. Afternoon train to

Granada. Stay at Villa Oniria for 2 nights. (B)

Day 6: Granada

Full day at leisure to discover the magnificent

13th-century Alhambra Palace, the last

Moorish stronghold of Spain. (B)

Day 7: Malaga • Fly home

Morning at leisure. Transfer to Malaga airport

and fly home. (B)

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3411 2135



145

EUROPE • ITALY

Discover Italy

The Italian peninsula is brimming with

romantic views, tempting delicacies,

soul-stirring music, ancient history, and

world-class art and architecture. Once

the centre of the Roman Empire and later

Europe’s Renaissance, modern Italy is a

land of contrasts, her regions the product

of the many peoples who have made their

home here over the centuries. From the

cured hams and cheeses of Emilia, said

to have arrived with the Lombards;

to the splendid Byzantine mosaics

in Romagna and the Norman castles

of Campania, Puglia and Sicily; Italy

offers visitors unparalleled cultural and

gastronomic variety.

Campania

Piazza del Popolo, Ravenna

Romance of the Amalfi Coast • Ruins of

Pompeii & Herculaneum

The Romans called it campania felix, meaning

‘fertile’ or ‘happy countryside’, and this region

of southern Italy still elicits ear-to-ear smiles.

The capital, Naples, seduces with its worldrenowned

food, its easy rilassato lifestyle,

not to mention its cinematic bay – one of

the great centres of classical Graeco-Roman

civilisation. Close by lie the ruins of Pompeii,

surely Campania’s headline attraction – though

Herculaneum, also entombed by Vesuvius,

warrants a visit. Stay in Sorrento for

postcard-worthy views over the Bay of Naples,

or the less-visited port city of Salerno with its

historic cathedral.

Sicily

Bay of Naples

Beautiful baroque towns • Smouldering

Mount Etna

The largest island in the Mediterranean,

Sicily has been ruled variously by the ancient

Greeks, Romans and Byzantines through

to the Normans, Arabs, French and British.

This long history is written into the fabric of

the towns and cities, whether it’s medieval

Taormina on the shimmering Ionian shore;

the Doric temples of Agrigento; the Norman

architecture of Monreale, Cefalù and Palermo;

or Val di Noto’s UNESCO-listed baroque towns.

As well as historical sites, natural beauty

abounds: picture azure seas lapping secluded

bays against a backdrop of blue skies and

the brooding Mount Etna – where slope-side

vineyards promise vino with a view. Saluti.

Temple of Juno, Valley of Temples, Agrigento, Sicily

146


Experiences

Visit the cave churches of Sassi

The focus of any visit to Matera is the UNESCO

World Heritage Site of Sassi, which features

countless churches built into the natural caves.

Adorned with eighth-century frescoes, the

Crypt of Original Sin is unmissable, and known

as the ‘Sistine Chapel of rock art’.

Stay in scenic Sorrento

Famed for its lemon groves and winding

coastal paths, Sorrento makes an ideal base

from which to explore the Bay of Naples and

surrounds. The town spills down a hillside

overlooking the bay and boasts a wealth of

artisanal shops, restaurants and cultural sights.

Sample delicacies in Bologna

Bologna is known as ‘La Rossa’ – ‘The Red One’

– for the hue of its handsome buildings. The

city is graced with medieval towers, colonnaded

streets, and Europe’s oldest university. It’s also a

culinary capital; specialities including prosciutto,

mortadella and parmesan are all native to

Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region.

Hotel Minerva, Sorrento

This 4-star property spoils guests with its

postcard-perfect views over Sorrento and the

glittering Tyrrhenian Sea. The hotel is named

for its location on an ancient road that leads

to a ruined temple honouring the Roman

goddess, Minerva.

The exterior’s French shutters, old stone

bricks, and checkerboard-tile terrace reflect

its 19th-century past, while the rooms are

colourful and contemporary. Around every

corner is another opportunity to admire the

view, thanks to the large windows, balconies,

outdoor pool, and long terrace – which also

serves as the restaurant’s al-fresco dining area.

Hotel Minerva is included in the extension for

the ‘Neapolitan Treasures’ tour, p. 148.

Suggested itinerary

Matera to Amalfi Self-drive

8 days & 7 nights



Cross the boot of southern Italy on a

self-drive tour visiting the oft-overlooked

regions of Puglia and Basilicata, finishing

on the seductive Amalfi Coast. You will

have the chance to admire authentic trullo

roundhouses, explore Matera’s striking

cave dwellings – even staying overnight in

one – and revel in the history of Pompeii

and Herculaneum.

Day 1: Fly to Bari • Monopoli

After arriving in Bari, capital of Italy’s Puglia

region, collect your hire car and drive to the

port town of Monopoli on the Adriatic coast.

Stay 2 nights at Il Melograno, a country

estate set amid olive and citrus groves. (N)

Day 2: Alberobello

You have a full day at leisure to explore the

cobbled lanes of nearby Alberobello, entirely

comprising white trullo roundhouses. (B)

Day 3: Matera

Spend the morning at leisure. This afternoon,

drive to Matera and stay 2 nights at Sextantio

Le Grotte della Civita, a spectacular rockhewn

hotel in the oldest part of town. (B)

Day 4: Matera

You have a full day at leisure to explore the

ancient city of Matera. With a host of natural

caves that have been transformed into

houses and churches, this town is one of the

main highlights of the Basilicata region. (B)

Day 5: Cava de’ Tirreni

This morning, drive to the city of Cava de’

Tirreni, whose 18th-century centre lies just

10km from the coast, and stay for 3 nights at

the Hotel Victoria Maiorino. (B)

Days 6 & 7: Cava de’ Tirreni • Amalfi

Enjoy 2 days at leisure to explore the shops,

restaurants and sights of the Amalfi Coast.

Nearby highlights include the ancient ruins

of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as the

picturesque town of Ravello with its stunning

view of the surrounding coastline (B).

Day 8: Naples • Fly home

Drive to Naples airport, drop off your hire car,

then catch your flight home. (B)

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3411 2135



147

EUROPE • ITALY

Neapolitan Treasures:

Caserta, Sorrento & Pompeii

NEW TOUR







Flexible – extensions, room &

flight upgrades available

Small group size – maximum 18

people







Hotel porterage

Guided sightseeing, entrance fees

& city taxes included

Ruins of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

Weather

Sorrento


A 12 12 14 17 21 25 28 28 25 21 16 12

B 5 5 6 9 13 16 18 19 16 13 9 7

C 85 69 64 53 38 23 23 39 57 89 120 102




Revel in the history, scenery and gastronomy

around the Bay of Naples, visiting ancient

Pompeii, touring the Caserta Palace – Italy’s

Versailles – and wine tasting in the foothills

of Mount Vesuvius.


Tour the Bourbon Palace & Gardens of

Caserta, the ‘Neapolitan Versailles’

Lunch at Naples’ Pignasecca Market

Visit the former royal silk factory at

San Leucio

Taste regional wines at an estate near

Mount Vesuvius

Day 1: Fly to Naples

Arrive in Naples and transfer to Castellammare

di Stabia. Stay at Hotel Stabia (or similar) for

7 nights. This restored 19th-century property

affords sweeping views of the Bay of Naples

and Mount Vesuvius. In the evening, enjoy a

welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2: Naples

Visit the monastery-turned-museum of Certosa

di San Martino, then journey by funicular to

Naples’ Pignasecca Market for lunch. This

afternoon, tour the Royal Palace of Naples

and the Piazza del Plebiscito. Then admire the

façade of medieval fortress Castel Nuovo. (B, L)

Day 3: Pompeii & Oplontis

Tour Pompeii, highlights of which include the

basilica, the Temple of Apollo, and the oldest

known Roman amphitheatre. Proceed to

nearby Oplontis, home of the Imperial Villa and

also preserved by volcanic ash. (B)

Day 4: Sorrento

Morning transfer to Sorrento for a day at

leisure to enjoy the plunging coastline,

tumbling towns and fine cuisine. (B)

Day 5: Caserta

Morning visit to the Royal Palace and Gardens

of Caserta, the largest palace in Europe, built

to rival Versailles. After lunch, visit the former

royal silk factory of San Leucio, which once

supplied the courts of Europe with luxurious

fabrics. (B)

Day 6: Herculaneum & Mount Vesuvius

Morning tour of lesser-visited Herculaneum,

including the well-preserved home of a Roman

noble family; the extraordinary mosaic at Casa

di Nettuno e Anfitrite; and the public baths at

Terme del Foro. Enjoy wine tasting and a light

lunch at an estate close to Mount Vesuvius. (B, L)

Day 7: Castellammare di Stabia

Day at leisure. This evening, attend a farewell

dinner in Sorrento. (B, D)

148


REGION

Royal Palace of Caserta

Day 8: Fly home

Transfer to Naples Airport for your departure

flight or begin your tour extension. (B)



TOUR EXTENSION

Sorrento

3 nights from £550


Group tour








Private tour






Tour code: NAP



Extend your stay with 3 nights at the stunningly

situated Hotel Minerva in Sorrento. See p. 147

for more details on the property.



can be taken privately, for which guideline

prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be

tailored to your exact requirements. Please

call 020 3411 2135 or visit CoxandKings.co.uk/

make-an-enquiry





Out Rtn

09 May 24 16 May 24

23 May 24 30 May 24

13 Jun 24 20 Jun 24

27 Jun 24 04 Jul 24

Out Rtn

12 Sep 24 19 Sep 24

26 Sep 24 03 Oct 24

10 Oct 24 17 Oct 24

17 Oct 24 24 Oct 24

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22 May 25 29 May 25

12 Jun 25 19 Jun 25

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25 Sep 25 02 Oct 25

09 Oct 25 16 Oct 25

16 Oct 25 23 Oct 25




149

EUROPE • ITALY

Classic

Sicily







people (max 18)

Palermo



upgrades available


British Airways


vehicles



Welcome drink to meet your group

& tour manager

Hotel porterage



Weather

Catania


A 16 16 18 20 24 28 32 32 29 24 20 17

B 6 6 7 9 12 16 19 20 18 14 10 7

C 74 52 44 35 20 6 5 12 40 105 59 79


A 13 13 15 18 21 25 28 28 26 22 18 14

B 8 8 9 11 14 18 21 21 19 16 13 10

C 83 67 57 47 22 11 5 17 37 84 82 88




MAP

The Mediterranean’s largest island, Sicily is

as culturally rich as it is beautiful. It is home

to superb Norman architecture, vibrant

Roman floor mosaics, Arab-inspired

gardens, and probably the finest Greek

temples to be found anywhere in the

world. Alongside this, the island has some

magnificent natural scenery, from volcanic

Mount Etna to quiet beaches in the south.

This tour takes you to the best that the

island has to offer.


Wine tasting near Mount Etna

Street-food experience in Palermo

Sample traditional Sicilian pastries at

Grammatico in Erice

Includes visits to Noto, Erice and

Monreale

Explore the Valley of the Temples

and the Palatine Chapel

Day 1: Fly to Catania • Syracuse


available) to Catania with British Airways.

Transfer to Syracuse and stay at Grande

Albergo Alfeo (or similar) for 2 nights. Enjoy a

welcome drink. (N)

Interior of the Palatine Chapel, Palermo

Day 2: Syracuse • Noto

Tour Syracuse, including the Greek theatre,

considered one of the most important

examples of its kind; the Ear of Dionysius

limestone cave; and Ortygia island.

Continue to the UNESCO-listed city of Noto,

renowned for its magnificent baroque

architecture. (B)

Day 3: Catania • Cefalù • Palermo

This morning, drive to Catania to view the

cathedral and Piazza Stesicoro. Continue to

Cefalù to visit the Norman cathedral with

its exquisite mosaics. Next, travel to Palermo

and stay 2 nights at the Hotel Politeama

(or similar). (B)

Day 4: Monreale • Palermo

This morning, drive to Monreale to visit the

Norman cathedral, founded in 1172 and

considered a leading example of Norman-

Arab architecture. Return to Palermo for a city

tour including the magnificent Arab-Norman

cathedral; the Palatine Chapel, located

within the Norman palace and covered in

Byzantineinfluenced mosaics; and the historic

old town. During an afternoon street-food

experience, and light tasting lunch learn how

Palermitan cuisine has been shaped by the

region’s history. (B, L)

Day 5: Erice • Selinunte • Agrigento

Morning visit to the medieval town of Erice, with

its imposing fortified walls overlooking the city

of Trapani. Continue to the Temple of Selinunte,

an excellent example of Doric architecture. Stop

at Grammatico, the world-famous pastry shop,

150


REGION

for some marzipan and biscuit tasting. Drive

to Agrigento and stay overnight at the Hotel

Colloverde Park (or similar). (B)

Day 6: Valley of the Temples • Piazza

Armerina • Taormina

Morning visit to the Valley of the Temples,

one of the world’s most impressive ancient

Greek sites. Afternoon drive to the elegant

resort town of Taormina via Piazza Armerina

to view the Roman mosaics of the Villa Romana

del Casale. Stay 2 nights at the Villa Diodoro

(or similar). (B, L)

Day 7: Mount Etna

Visit the highest active volcano in Europe,

Mount Etna, for panoramic views. Stop at

Barone di Villagrande for wine tasting at a

local vineyard. Afternoon guided tour of the

Taormina Amphitheatre. In the evening, enjoy

a farewell dinner. (B, D)






Group tour




Guide price months: Jun




Temple of Concordia, Valley of the Temples, Agrigento



make-an-enquiry

Private tour




Guide price month: Jun


Tour code: CLS




Transfer to Catania airport and fly to London

with British Airways. (B)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Pre- and post-tour extensions are available

in Syracuse and Taormina, as well as to

the Aeolian island of Stromboli. Speak to a

consultant for further details.





Out Rtn

06 May 24 13 May 24

20 May 24 27 May 24

03 Jun 24 10 Jun 24

24 Jun 24 01 Jul 24

02 Sep 24 09 Sep 24

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09 Sep 24 16 Sep 24

16 Sep 24 23 Sep 24

07 Oct 24 14 Oct 24

14 Oct 24 21 Oct 24

24 Oct 24 31 Oct 24

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19 May 25 26 May 25

02 Jun 25 09 Jun 25

16 Jun 25 23 Jun 25

01 Sep 25 08 Sep 25

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08 Sep 25 15 Sep 25

15 Sep 25 22 Sep 25

06 Oct 25 13 Oct 25

13 Oct 25 20 Oct 25




151

EUROPE • ITALY

Puglia &

Basilicata







people (max 18)



upgrades available


British Airways


vehicles






& all city taxes included

Castel del Monte, Puglia

Weather

Lecce


A 13 13 15 18 23 27 30 30 27 22 17 14

B 6 6 7 10 13 17 20 20 17 14 10 7

C 81 65 73 43 32 22 16 31 57 87 90 82




Known as ‘the heel of Italy’, the region of

Puglia offers some of the country's most

remote coastline and countryside, dotted

with ancient sites and whitewashed towns.

The neighbouring Basilicata region is a rustic

area with both historic centres and fine

beaches. Over the centuries, both regions

have been influenced by ancient Greek,

Roman and Norman rule, which is noticeable

in the varied architecture and historic

remains that you will see on this tour.


Enjoy an aperitif at a Bourbon-era

palazzo in Lecce

Explore the renowned trullo houses of

Alberobello

Admire the exquisite frescoes of the

Crypt of the Original Sin in Matera

Sample freshly prepared foccacia at a

bakery in Altamura

Day 1: Fly to Bari • Fasano


available) to Bari and transfer to Otranto. Stay at

the Tenuta Centoporte (or similar) for 3 nights.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2: Otranto • Gallipoli

This morning, explore Otranto, a port town

situated on the ancient Greek site of Hydrus.

In the afternoon, sample Puglian wine before

proceeding to visit the picturesque coastal

town of Gallipoli, which according to legend

was founded by an ancient ruler of Crete. (B)

Day 3: Lecce

Travel north and tour Lecce, one of Italy’s

best preserved Baroque cities. Visit the Duomo

and admire the ornate 17th-century interior

before enjoying an aperitif at one of the city’s

historic palazzos. After returning to your

hotel, the remainder of your afternoon is at

leisure. (B)

Day 4: Ostuni • Alberobello

Begin the day in Ostuni with a tour of the

cathedral before visiting a typical oil mill and

dairy to sample local cheeses, olive oil and

antipasti. In the afternoon, drive to Alberobello

and enjoy a tour of this UNESCO-listed town,

famous for its trulli – traditional conical

dwellings. Continue to trullo-styled Tenuta

Monacelle (or similar) where you stay for

4 nights. (B)

Day 5: Altamura • Matera

Drive to Altamura to visit the celebrated

Romanesque cathedral. While there, visit a

local bakery and taste freshly baked focaccia.

Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site

of Matera. The Sassi district is divided into

two parts: the Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso

Barisano, each with countless churches

and distinctive features. Your tour includes a

visit to the typical Sassi dwelling of Casa Grotta,

a Rupestrian church, and the Crypt of the

Original Sin with its magnificent frescoes. (B)

152


Trulli, Alberbello, Puglia

Day 6: Trani • Castel del Monte

Begin the day with a visit to Trani, a

whitewashed port city of Jewish origin.

Enjoy light lunch in a typical agriturismo

eatery overlooking Castel del Monte, then

continue to the renowned fortress itself.

Built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick

II, who ruled much of southern Italy in the

13th century, this octagonal fortress is a

masterpiece of medieval architecture set

high on an isolated hill. (B, L)

Day 7: Bari • Polignano a Mare

This morning, visit Bari, the capital of Puglia.

Explore the old town quarter including St

Sabin Cathedral and St Nicholas Basilica. In the

afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the charming

seaside town of Polignano a Mare. Return to

your hotel for a farewell drink. (B)


Transfer to Bari airport and fly to London. (B)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Pre- and post-tour extensions are available

within Puglia or to any region of Italy. Ask your

consultant for further details.






Group tour




Guide price months: Jun




Private tour












Out Rtn

08 May 24 15 May 24

05 Jun 24 12 Jun 24

26 Jun 24 03 Jul 24

Out Rtn

04 Sep 24 11 Sep 24

02 Oct 24 09 Oct 24

09 Oct 24 16 Oct 24



make-an-enquiry

Out Rtn

07 May 25 14 May 25

04 Jun 25 11 Jun 25

25 Jun 25 02 Jul 25

Tour code: PUB

Out Rtn

03 Sep 25 10 Sep 25

17 Sep 25 24 Sep 25

01 Oct 25 08 Oct 25




153

EUROPE • ITALY

Lombardy & Veneto

by Rail

NEW TOUR



Small-group tour • From £2,895 (incl. rail)

Private tour • From £3,995 (incl. rail)


All international rail travel to &

from London St Pancras


Small groups - maximum of 18

Local transfers in air-conditioned

vehicles

Local tour manager on arrival

in Mantua



with your group & tour manager

Hotel porterage in Mantua

& Vicenza



Weather

Milan


A 5 8 13 17 22 26 29 28 24 18 10 6

B -2 0 3 7 11 15 17 17 13 8 3 -1

C 70 70 88 92 108 89 68 94 83 117 107 64

Lake Garda


A 4 7 12 16 21 25 27 27 23 17 10 5

B -3 -1 2 6 10 14 16 16 13 8 2 -2

C 51 48 59 68 88 88 71 95 72 84 93 49




Travelling to and from London by high-speed

train, explore Italy’s Lombardy and Veneto

regions – both of which have more to offer

than just the headline cities of Milan and

Venice. Visit the three Renaissance-era jewels

of Verona, Mantua and Vicenza, and embark

on rewarding cultural and rural excursions.


Travel from London to Italy and back

by rail

Wine tasting in the Prosecco hills

Visit the historic village of Sirmione by

Lake Garda

Stay in well-located, character

properties in Mantua and Vicenza

Free day to explore Modena

independently by train

Day 1: London to Milan

Depart London St. Pancras by rail for Milan

via Paris. Overnight at UNAHOTELS Galles

Milano. (N)

Day 2: Milan to Mantua

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Milan,

Basilica di Sant’Andrea, Mantua

home to the impressive Duomo (Cathedral). In

the afternoon, travel by rail to the historic city

of Mantua, meet your guide and check in at the

historic Hotel Cà Uberti Palace (or similar) for

4 nights. Enjoy a welcome dinner. (B, D)

Day 3: Mantua

Spend the morning exploring the historic

centre of Mantua, including the imposing

Ducal Palace, once the seat of the powerful

House of Gonzaga. Conclude the tour with

a visit to one of the city’s wine merchants to

sample Lombard wine. The remainder of the

day is at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Day at leisure

Today is yours to spend how you wish. You

may wish to catch one of the frequent direct

trains from Mantua to the historic city of

Modena, situated in the neighbouring region of

Emilia-Romagna. (B)

Day 5: Verona • Lake Garda

Drive to Verona and take in the city’s highlights,

including Juliet’s House and Piazza delle Erbe.

Conclude by crossing scenic Lake Garda by

ferry for a guided tour of Sirmione, a village

founded in antiquity and renowned for its

impressive medieval fortress. (B, D)

Day 6: The Prosecco hills

Depart Mantua for a tour of the Prosecco hills,

followed by lunch and an opportunity to taste

one of the Veneto’s most celebrated exports:

sparkling wine. Proceed to Vicenza and check-

154


Sirmione, Lake Garda

in at the centrally located Glam Boutique

Hotel (or similar) for 3 nights. (B, L)

Day 7: Bassano del Grappa • Asolo

Explore Bassano del Grappa in the Alpine

foothills. Continue to the walled city of Asolo,

first mentioned in the works of the Roman

scholar Pliny the Elder, for time at leisure.

Conclude the day at one of the region’s

celebrated grappa distilleries. (B)

Day 8: Villa Emo • Vicenza

Visit the sumptuous, Palladian Villa Emo.

In the afternoon, Visit Vicenza’s Olympic

Theatre and historical centre. Enjoy a


Day 9: Turin

Take the train from Vicenza to Turin,

where you spend an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel NH Torino Centro

(or similar). (B)

Day 10: Turin to London

Depart Turin by rail for London St Pancras

via Paris.





can be taken privately exactly as it appears

here. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your


Group tour



Rail class upgrades

Please speak to your consultant for details.








Out Rtn

17 May 24 26 May 24

24 May 24 02 Jun 24

07 Jun 24 16 Jun 24

Out Rtn

30 Jun 24 09 Jul 24

11 Oct 24 20 Oct 24

18 Oct 24 27 Oct 24

specific requirements. Please call 020 3411

2135 or visit CoxandKings.co.uk/make-anenquiry

Out Rtn

16 May 25 25 May 25

23 May 25 01 Jun 25

06 Jun 25 15 Jun 25

Tour code: VVG

Out Rtn

29 Jun 25 08 Jul 25

10 Oct 25 19 Oct 25

17 Oct 25 26 Oct 25




155

EUROPE • ITALY

Ravenna:

Mosaics & Marble



Tour overview

Uncover Ravenna's glittering past with

experts Rowena Loverance or Dr Sally

Dormer. In 402AD, the city became the

capital of the western Roman empire,

and mosaic-decorated churches were

built. It flourished during the early

sixth century under the Ostrogoths,

who commissioned further splendid

monuments. By 540AD, it was the main

outpost of the Byzantine empire in

western Europe, experiencing another

lavish period of patronage before the

Lombards assumed control in 751AD.

Today, Ravenna is replete with relics of

this illustrious history, as you will see

first-hand across four insightful days.


Visit the Church of San Pietro in Sylvis,

the oldest in the Ravenna area

See the varied marble & mosaic

decoration of the Church of San Vitale

Explore the unique 10-sided

mausoleum of Theodoric the Great,

king of the Ostrogoths

Discover how mosaics are made in a

contemporary studio

See the work of Ravenna’s modern

mosaicists in a city that remains at the

centre of mosaic art


Rowena Loverance is a

Byzantine art historian,

specialising in sculpture,

mosaics and icons. She

worked for more than

20 years at the British

Museum and is a visiting

research fellow at King’s College, London.

Dr Sally Dormer is a

freelance art historian

and lecturer. She read

history at the University of

Durham, before gaining

an MA in medieval art and

a PhD at the Courtauld

Institute of Art. She is a course tutor and

lecturer at the Victoria & Albert Museum

and also lectures for the Art Fund and the

Arts Society.


History • Art • Architecture

Mosaic in the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

Day 1: Fly to Bologna • Ravenna


to Bologna with British Airways. Transfer to

Ravenna and stay at the historic Hotel Palazzo

Galletti Abbiosi (or similar) for 3 nights. This

afternoon, visit Sant’Apollinare in Classe, which

demonstrates the form and function of early

Christian basilical churches. (D)

Day 2: Ravenna

Visit the so-called Mausoleum of Galla Placidia,

which contains fine early-Christian vault

mosaics. Continue to San Vitale, one of the

most significant surviving Byzantine churches.

Travel to the Residenza dei Vescovi to view

masterpieces from the Museo Arcivescovile,

the archiepiscopal chapel and Ravenna’s 18thcentury

cathedral. Finally, stop by a modern

mosaic studio (subject to confirmation). (B)

Day 3: Ravenna

Visit Theodoric’s Palace and the octagonal

Orthodox baptistery. Continue to the

Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, built by

Ostrogoth king Theodoric; the fifth-century

Arian baptistery, with its mosaic of Christ’s

baptism; Dante’s tomb and the basilica of

San Francesco. Visit the city art museum to

admire contemporary mosaics. Continue to the




palace of Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra to see its

marble inlays and mosaics. (B, D)

Day 4: Ravenna • Fly to London

Visit the unique, 10-sided Mausoleum of

Theodoric, built from huge blocks of ashlar

masonry on the outskirts of Ravenna. Drive

to San Pietro in Sylvis, which dates from

the seventh century and provides useful

comparisons with Ravenna’s churches.

Transfer to Bologna for your flight home or

to begin your extension. (B, L)



TOUR EXTENSION

Tour + Bologna

3 nights from £395

Extend your tour with 3 nights in Bologna, one

of Italy’s gastronomic capitals and home to

Europe’s oldest university.







Accessibility: This tour involves some long

walks over uneven ground and therefore

requires a good level of fitness.

Private visits: The exclusive and individual

nature of private visits means they are subject

to confirmation nearer the time of departure.

Tour code: IMA

14 Mar – 17 Mar 24 with Rowena Loverance from £1,545 single supp. from £245

13 Jun – 16 Jun 24 with Sally Dormer from £1,695 single supp. from £245

14 Nov – 17 Nov 24 with Sally Dormer from £1,595 single supp. from £245

13 Mar – 16 Mar 25 with Rowena Loverance from £1,695 single supp. from £295

12 Jun – 15 Jun 25 with Sally Dormer from £1,795 single supp. from £295

13 Nov – 16 Nov 25 with Sally Dormer from £1,695 single supp. from £295








156


Majestic

Malta





Tour overview

Malta might be one of the smallest

nations in Europe, but its strategic

position at the crossroads of the

Mediterranean has allowed it to cultivate

a rich culture over thousands of years.

This centre-based tour goes beyond

the seaside resorts for which the island

is most famous, exploring instead the

exciting history of the capital, Valletta;

the three cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea

and Cospicua; as well as the historic sites

of the Hagar Qim temples and Mdina

village. Highlights include driving your

own electric buggy though the narrow

streets, and a tuk-tuk tour of Gozo island.


Direct international flights


Superior sea-view rooms as standard

Small group size – maximum of 18

Local transfers in air-conditioned

vehicles

Fully escorted by an Englishspeaking

guide throughout



fees included


Single-centre tour with day excursions

across Malta’s main island and Gozo

Day tours of Valletta and the

‘Three Cities’

Boat tour of the Grand Harbour

Tuk-tuk tour of Gozo

Day 1: Fly to Malta

Take a morning flight from London (regional

connections available) to Malta with Air Malta.

Transfer to the Waterfront Hotel for the

duration of the tour. (N)

Day 2: Tour of Valletta

Embark on a guided tour of Malta’s compact

capital, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage

Site brimming with baroque marvels, twisting

streets and charming cafes. Highlights include

St John’s Co-Cathedral and the palatial rooms

of Casa Rocca Piccola. Enjoy a welcome lunch

at Rampila Restaurant, uniquely situated in the

city’s 16th-century bastions. (B, L)

Day 3: Day at leisure

Spend a free day enjoying the facilities of the

hotel, including the outdoor pool and sun

terrace. Alternatively, explore more of the area,

perhaps with an excursion to the tiny third

island of Comino, famous for its enticing white

sands and azure waters. (B)

Day 4: Discovery of the Three Cities

Explore Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua –

together known as the ‘Three Cities of Malta’ –

in a petite electric car called a Rolling Geek.

Easy to drive, they are a fun way to navigate the

narrow, cobbled streets. Next, enjoy a half-hour

private harbour cruise aboard a traditional

Maltese passenger boat. These colourful vessels

are icons of Maltese culture. (B)

Day 5: Tuk-tuk adventure in Gozo

Cross by ferry to Gozo, Malta’s second largest

island, for a full-day tour by tuk-tuk. Highlights

include exploration of the main town of

Victoria, famous for its 16th-century citadel;

and the Xwejni salt pans, whose shimmering

pools are still harvested in the ancient

tradition. Stop en route for lunch at

Ta’ Rikardu Restaurant, famous for using only

local produce. Return to Malta in the late

afternoon. (B, L)

Day 6: Hagar Qim, Blue Grotto & Mdina

Embark on a day tour of the 5,000-year-old

Valletta

temple complex of Hagar Qim and the historic

city of Mdina. The day also includes a boat

ride to the Blue Grotto – a series of sea caves

naturally lit by breaks in the rock. (B)


Transfer to Malta airport and fly to London. (B)




This itinerary can be taken privately on a date

that suits you. Alternatively, it can be tailored to

your exact requirements. Please call to speak

with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.

Guideline prices for 2023

Tour code: MLB






The guideline tour prices are all per person in pound

sterling, based on two people sharing a twin / double

room. For up-to-date prices on all departure dates, please

visit our website. All prices are subject to availability.

Departure dates

17 May – 23 May 24

14 Jun – 20 Jun 24

28 Jun – 04 Jul 24

13 Sep – 19 Sep 24

04 Oct – 10 Oct 24

18 Oct – 24 Oct 24

16 May – 22 May 25

13 Jun – 19 Jun 25

27 Jun – 03 Jul 25

12 Sep – 18 Sep 25

03 Oct – 09 Oct 25

17 Oct – 23 Oct 25

Guaranteed departures: for departure dates that

have reached the minimum number of guests, and are

therefore guaranteed to run, please visit online and

refer to the tour’s Dates & Prices grid.


157

EUROPE • SPAIN & PORTUGAL

Discover Spain & Portugal

The many regions of Spain offer strikingly

differing scenery. This includes the rugged,

green and rainy Atlantic coast of Galicia and

the Pyrenees peaks of the north, across the

high central plateaux of Castille-La Mancha,

and down to the hot Mediterranean hills

and Moorish architecture of Andalucía in

the far south.

Portugal – Spain’s Iberian neighbour –

charms with its picturesque villages and

medieval castles. Porto and Lisbon are

great places to explore on foot, both

having excellent restaurants, energetic

nightlife, picturesque neighbourhoods and

wide plazas. Beyond the cities, Portugal’s

scenery ranges from vineyards to dramatic

windswept coasts.

Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Spain

Andalucía

Hispano-Moorish architecture • 7 UNESCO

World Heritage Sites

Porto & the Douro Valley

Douro River cruises • Porto’s cobbled Ribeira

district • UNESCO-listed wine region

Court of the Lions in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Divided from Morocco by the Strait of

Gibraltar, Andalucía is one of Spain’s most

scenic regions. Its sun-beaten cities are strewn

with superb Islamic architecture, a legacy of

the Moors who crossed the waters from the

Maghreb in the eighth century. There are

seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit,

including the grand fortress of Alhambra in

Granada, and the Mezquita in Córdoba – a

mosque-turned-cathedral built in 786AD.

The Andalucían countryside is a picture of

leafy olive groves, craggy limestone cliffs, and

white-washed villages. This region is also the

homeland of flamenco, and the best place to

attend an authentic performance.

Portugal’s second-largest city after Lisbon,

Porto sprawls across the hills overlooking the

mouth of the Douro River. The historical centre

is UNESCO-listed and includes the picturesque,

cobblestoned district of Ribeira. Here, too, are

numerous monuments and museums worth

visiting, and you can do so on foot thanks to

Porto’s compact size. You can also admire

this city from the water during a cruise along

the Douro, which carves westward across the

Iberian Peninsula to the Atlantic Ocean.

The bucolic Alto Douro (‘Upper Douro’)

incorporates a UNESCO-listed DOC wine region,

where vineyards sprinkling the green valley

slopes offer tastings with a view. The Douro

Valley can be visited as part of our tailor-made

Porto to Lisbon by Rail itinerary featured online.

Porto, Portugal

158


Experiences

Visit Europe’s largest cathedral

One of the earliest Moorish conquests, Seville

is the capital of the Spanish region of Andalucía

and remnants of its fascinating history abound.

Be sure to visit the 16th-century, UNESCOlisted

cathedral, the largest in Europe and

Christopher Columbus’s burial place.

Tour the old city of Toledo

A short journey by high-speed train from

Madrid, Toledo’s medieval old town perches

on a hill above the Tajo River. The dominating

cathedral is a remarkable gothic structure

containing the tombs of kings,x and art by

El Greco, Velázquez and Goya.

Sample port at a wine estate

Port is named after Porto, from where bottles

of the fortified wine were first exported. It

became a prized tipple for the British when

conflict disrupted access to French wines in the

18th century. You can try authentic port at one

of Portugal’s quintas (traditional wine estates).

Parador de Granada,

Spain

Located in the grounds of Alhambra palace,

Parador de Granada occupies a former

Catholic convent – built in the 15th century

after Castilian forces captured the Emirate

of Granada. The property sits amid leafy

landscaped gardens, and incorporates

Arabic, Christian and Andalucían influences

in its design. The 40 bedrooms are elegantly

understated, with subtle arabesque motifs and

a muted palette. At the restaurant, you can

dine on Spanish cuisine alongside a special

menu that recreates dishes from Andalucía’s

Islamic period. There is also an attractive

courtyard peppered with potted plants and

climbers; and a terrace where you can dine

with views of the palace gardens.

Suggested itinerary

Paradors of Southern Spain

9 days & 8 nights



Combining some of Spain’s great

monuments and staying in Paradors –

converted historic buildings – this self-drive

holiday delves into the heart of Spain with

visits to Granada, Toledo and Ronda.

Day 1: Fly to Madrid • Toledo

Fly to Madrid, pick up your hire car and drive

to Toledo. Stay 2 nights at Parador de Toledo

with views over the old town. (N)

Day 2: Toledo

Day at leisure to explore the sights of Spain’s

former capital. During the middle ages,

Toledo flourished as a city where Muslims,

Jews and Christians coexisted peacefully. (B)

Day 3: Jaen • Granada

Morning drive to Granada via Jaen, renowned

for its olive oil and medieval castle. Stay 2

nights at Parador de Granada, set within the

grounds of the Alhambra complex. (B)

Day 4: Granada

Full day at leisure to visit the Moorish

stronghold of Alhambra, the Arab-Jewish

quarter of Albaicín and the Generalife

gardens. (B)

Day 5: Ronda

Morning drive to Ronda, dramatically set

beside a mountain gorge. Overnight at

Parador de Ronda, overlooking the gorge. (B)

Day 6: Ronda • Carmona

Morning at leisure to relax or visit the

bullring and its museum. Afternoon drive to

Carmona. Stay 2 nights at the Parador de

Carmona, set in a Moorish fortress. (B)

Day 7: Carmona

Day at leisure to explore this picturesque

hilltop town. Alternatively, visit Seville,

approximately 40 minutes by car. (B)

Day 8: Zafra • Mérida

Morning drive to Mérida via the town of

Zafra, known as ‘Little Seville’. Afternoon

at leisure to explore Mérida, famed for

its Roman ruins. Overnight at Parador de

Mérida, set in a former convent. (B)

Day 9: Madrid • Fly home

Drive to Madrid airport and drop off your

hire car. Fly home. (B)

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3411 2135



159

EUROPE • SPAIN

Splendours

of Andalucía








upgrades available


(max 18)


British Airways


vehicles





Hotel porterage


included

Weather

Seville


A 16 17 20 22 27 31 35 35 32 26 20 16

B 6 7 8 10 13 16 18 19 17 13 9 6

C 78 68 61 54 34 17 1 5 21 61 89 90

Córdoba


A 14 16 19 21 26 31 36 35 31 24 18 14

B 4 5 6 8 11 15 18 18 16 11 7 4

C 68 68 62 54 36 21 4 5 23 62 82 79




Andalucía is one of Spain’s most scenic

regions, strewn with superb Hispano-Moorish

architecture. As well as including two of

Spain’s greatest sites – the Alhambra in

Granada and the Mezquita in Córdoba – this

tour explores some of Andalucía’s prettiest

countryside and towns.


Taverns and market tour with a local

food expert in Seville

Tours of Seville’s Alcázar, the Alhambra

in Granada and the Mezquita in Córdoba

Visit Seville’s cathedral, the largest in

Europe and burial place of Christopher

Columbus

Well located, characterful properties

throughout

Intererior of the Mezquita, Córdoba

the bullring before continuing to Seville where

you will have a taverns and market tour with a

local food expert before continuing to Seville.

Overnight at the Hotel AC Ciudad de Sevilla

(or similar). (B)

Day 3: Seville

Full-day tour of Seville with local guide.

Explore Seville's cathedral, which is the largest

in Europe and Christopher Columbus' burial

place, as well as Giralda and Alcazar. In the

late afternoon head to Córdoba to stay at the

Hotel NH Collection Amistad (or similar) for

2 nights. (B)

Day 4: Carmona • Córdoba

Half-day tour of Córdoba with a local guide,

including visits to La Mezquita (‘The Mosque’)

and the synagogue. There is an optional

afternoon visit to Medina Azahara. (B)

Day 5: Córdoba

Morning at leisure. Evening transfer to

Granada for 2 nights at Meliá Granada

(or similar). (B)

Day 1: Fly to Malaga


to Malaga with British Airways. Transfer to the

Palacio Solecio (or similar) for 1 night. Enjoy a

welcome dinner with your group. (D)

Day 2: Ronda • Seville

Morning drive to Seville. En route, stop at

Ronda, which sits astride the El Tajo gorge. Visit

Day 6: Granada

Half-day tour of Granada, including Alhambra

Palace. Built by the Moors in the 13th and 14th

centuries, the palace is a spectacular complex

of buildings and courtyards, and encompasses

the celebrated Generalife gardens. (B, D)

Day 7: Granada • Fly to London

Breakfast in hotel. Morning at leisure before

your transfer to Malaga airport. (B)

160


REGION

The Alhambra, Granada




Tour code: ALA

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Madrid by rail


Travel from Granada by high-speed train to

Madrid. Stay at Hotel Catalonia Puerta del

Sol for 3 nights. Transfer to Madrid Airport for

your return flight.








Group tour






British Airways flights upgrade


Private tour












Out Rtn

03 May 24 09 May 24

31 May 24 06 Jun 24

06 Jun 24 12 Jun 24

14 Jun 24 20 Jun 24

Out Rtn

27 Sep 24 03 Oct 24

11 Oct 24 17 Oct 24

18 Oct 24 24 Oct 24

Out Rtn

02 May 25 08 May 25

30 May 25 05 Jun 25

05 Jun 25 11 Jun 25

13 Jun 25 19 Jun 25

Out Rtn

26 Sep 25 02 Oct 25

10 Oct 25 16 Oct 25

17 Oct 25 23 Oct 25




161

EUROPE • SPAIN

Journey through

the Heart of Spain








upgrades available

Small group size (max 18 people)


British Airways


vehicles

Experienced local guides in each

destination & tour manager





fees included

Weather

Avila


A 6 7 10 12 17 22 27 26 22 16 10 6

B -1 0 1 2 6 10 13 13 10 6 2 -1

C 58 54 47 58 57 45 18 17 41 61 76 64

Salamanca


A 8 10 13 15 20 25 29 28 25 18 12 8

B 0 1 2 4 7 11 13 13 11 7 2 0

C 44 44 33 41 43 36 18 10 33 42 52 43




Take a journey through Spain’s cultural

heartland and explore a selection of historic

regions full of surprises. On this tour,

experience some of the best-preserved

medieval cities in the country along with

delicious local delicacies. You also take in

the three UNESCO-listed cities of Segovia,

Salamanca and Toledo.


Taste Iberian ham in a traditional cellar

Stay in well-located, characterful

properties

Visit the Monastery of Yuste, once the

home of Emperor Charles V

Admire Mérida’s Roman ruins, arguably

the most impressive outside of Italy

Day 1: Fly to Madrid


available) to Madrid with British Airways.

Transfer to the historic city of Salamanca

and stay at Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor

(or similar) for 2 nights. In the evening, enjoy

a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2: Segovia • Ávila

Walking tour of Segovia, including its firstcentury

Roman aqueduct. Continue to Ávila,

one of the oldest cities in Spain. Take a

walking tour around the 14-metre-high walls,

which date back to the 11th century. At the

conclusion of the tour, return to Salamanca. (B)

Medieval walled-city of Ávila

Day 3: Salamanca • Mérida

Half-day walking tour of Salamanca’s historic

city centre, including the Plaza Mayor, one of

the best examples of baroque architecture

in Spain; the cathedral; and the university,

which – founded in 1134 – is the oldest in the

Hispanic world. Depart Salamanca for Merida,

pausing en-route to visit the Monastery of

Yuste, once home to the Habsburg Emperor

Charles V. Check in at the Parador de Merida

(or similar) for 3 nights. (B, D)

Day 4: Cáceres

Half-day walking tour of Cáceres, one of

the most charming cities in Extremadura.

Explore the maze of narrow, cobbled streets

that twist and turn amongst ancient palaces,

mansions, arches and churches. From the

defence walls, enjoy views of the turrets,

spires and gargoyles that have watched over

the city for almost a millennium. (B, D)

Day 5: Aracena

Full-day gastronomy tour to discover some

of Spain’s best-loved delicacies. Drive to the

scenic Sierra de Aracena on the northern

edge of Andalucía. Continue to a cellar and

drying house to learn about the drying

process before enjoying a tasting of the

ham with two wines. Conclude in Aracena,

a typical whitewashed village, with a visit to

its caves and Ham Museum. Return to

Mérida. (B)

Day 6: Mérida • Toledo

Today it is the capital of Extremadura, but

Mérida was also once the capital of the

Roman province of Lusitania. See the

extensive Roman ruins – some of Spain’s most

impressive – including the amphitheatre.

Continue to Toledo, pausing en route to visit

162


Toledo

the picturesque village of Trujillo. Stay 2 nights

at the Hotel Maria Cristina (or similar). (B)

Day 7: Toledo

Half-day tour to explore this historic city,

formerly the capital of Spain and where Jews,

Christians and Muslims coexisted peacefully –

as reflected by its interesting mix of historical

buildings. Morning tour of the main sights,

including the 13th-century gothic cathedral,

St Tome Church and Santa Maria La Blanca

Synagogue, followed by time at leisure.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell drink at

your hotel. (B)


Morning transfer to the airport, approximately

one hour from Toledo. Fly to London with




TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Madrid by rail


Transfer to Toledo train station and travel the

short distance to Madrid by high-speed train.

Stay at the Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Sol for

3 nights.



can be taken privately on a date that suits you,

for which guideline prices are shown.


Group tour






British Airways flights upgrade


Private tour












Out Rtn

09 May 24 16 May 24

16 May 24 23 May 24

06 Jun 24 13 Jun 24

Out Rtn

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26 Sep 24 03 Oct 24

10 Oct 24 17 Oct 24




Out Rtn

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15 May 25 22 May 25

05 Jun 25 12 Jun 25

Tour code: EHS

Out Rtn

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25 Sep 25 02 Oct 25

09 Oct 25 16 Oct 25




163

EUROPE • GREECE

Discover Greece

Greece: where ancient colonnaded temples

and vibrant modern cities glisten under

the same sun. Considered the birthplace

of Western civilisation, this Mediterranean

destination is woven with a rich mythology,

and offers up a trove of celebrated art

and architecture.

Beyond mainland attractions such as

the Acropolis of Athens, there are some

1,400 islands to explore, including Crete,

homeland of the Minoans; the sandy

Cyclades; and oft-overlooked Evia. Cox &

Kings can pair a tour of mainland Greece

with an island-hopping itinerary to give you

an all-encompassing experience.

Meteora

Ancient theatre of Epidaurus

Sample the famous truffes • Visit Byzantine

monasteries

When medieval monks stumbled upon vast

sandstone pillars jutting out of Thessaly’s

green hills, they saw potential. The dramatic

precipices of Meteora (meaning ‘suspended

in the air’) became the base of some 24

monasteries – six of which survive today.

These rock-top complexes are now a UNESCO

World Heritage Site and a major draw. The

thick forests beneath, meanwhile, shelter

prized wild truffes, allowing you to combine a

visit to the monasteries with a truffe hunting

and tasting experience.

Crete

Meteora

Visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos • Taste

authentic Cretan honey

Crete is Greece’s largest island, and its

1,000-kilometre coastline is replete with

attractive bays, peninsulas, coves and sandy

beaches. It’s also historically important.

This is where Europe’s first civilisation, the

Minoan kingdom, arose during the Bronze

Age. The ruined Minoan city of Knossos and

its famous palace offer insights into these

mysterious people. Crete also preserves

Venetian fortresses, most strikingly the

16th-century Castello a Mare, as well as

medieval monasteries and Ottoman-era

mosques. The landscape is diverse, with

mountain ranges and gorges, Europe’s only

palm tree forest, and vast plains and plateaux

to explore.

Palace of Knossos

164


Experiences in Greece

Tour the Acropolis and its museum

Overlooking Athens from high on a hill,

the Acropolis is one of Greece’s greatest

attractions. Visit the museum housing many of

its artefacts, and ascend to the ruins to see the

Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion with

its stoic caryatids, and the iconic Parthenon.

Sail on the Strait of Evia

Board a sailboat for a day cruising on the

Strait of Evia. This narrow channel parts Evia

island from mainland Greece and is notable

for its unusual tidal reversal. As you glide

along the deep blue, relish sweeping views of

craggy headlands, tucked-away harbours and

quiet coves.

Explore Serifos island

Explore the Cyclades island of Serifos, a rugged

beauty with steep mountains and broad bays.

Be sure to venture up to Hora; the island’s

‘capital’ is a maze of twisting streets and whitewashed

houses, with a neoclassical town hall

and a blue-domed church.

Kinsterna Hotel, Monemvasia

Kinsterna sits atop a hill in Laconia amid

vineyards and olive groves, with the Aegean

glittering on the horizon. The restoration

of this 13th-century manor-turned-hotel

preserved original elements, including

Ottoman battlements and fireplaces, and

a Byzantine cistern and vaults. These are

complemented by contemporary facilities,

such as a slender, L-shaped outdoor pool,

three Greek restaurants, a spa complete with

hammam, and a bar with seating on a hillview

terrace. The rooms feature traditional

wall tapestries, wood-beam ceilings, marble

bathrooms, and handmade carpets, alongside

all the modern amenities you would expect.

Kinsterna Hotel is included in the ‘Heart of

Ancient Greece’ tour, p. 168.

Suggested itinerary

The Secret Cyclades:

Serifos, Syros & Tinos

11 days & 10 nights



This tour explores three of Greece’s lesser

known Cyclades islands: Serifos, Syros and

Tinos. After time in Athens, spend a couple

of days on each tranquil island – a far cry

from the crowds of Mykonos and Santorini.

Day 1: Athens

Fly to Athens with Aegean Air. Transfer to

Pythagorion Hotel (or similar) for 1 night.

Time at leisure to enjoy the Greek capital. (N)

Day 2: Athens • Serifos

Transfer to Piraeus Port and cross to Serifos

island. Transfer to Dorkas Hotel (or similar)

for 2 nights. Free time in Livádion. (B)

Day 3: Serifos

Full day to explore Serifos, an island of steep

mountains and broad bays. Be sure to visit

the main town, Hora, a maze of twisting

streets with a neoclassical town hall and a

blue-domed church. (B)

Day 4: Serifos • Syros

Morning transfer to the port for a ferry to

Syros. Check in to the seaside Brazzera Hotel

(or similar) for 3 nights. (B)

Days 5 & 6: Syros

Two days at leisure. Syros’s main town of

Ermoupoli, with its tumble of pink and white

buildings, is well worth exploring. (B)

Day 7: Syros • Tinos

Transfer for your ferry to Tinos. Stay 3 nights

at Anthea Boutique Hotel (or similar). (B)

Day 8: Tinos

Explore Tinos, known for its pilgrimage site,

the Church of the Annunciation. Beyond its

main town, the island is a patchwork of 40

marble-ornamented villages found in hidden

bays and terraced hillsides. (B)

Day 9: Tinos

Day at leisure to explore Tinos. (B)

Day 10: Tinos • Athens

Cross to Athens’ Rafina Port, then transfer

to Pythagorion Hotel (or similar) for 1

night. Free time for a meal in the Plaka

neighbourhood beside the Acropolis. (B)

Day 11: Fly home

Transfer to Athens airport and fly home. (B)

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3411 2135



165

EUROPE • GREECE

The Heart of

Ancient Greece







people (max 18)



Aegean Air or easyJet


upgrades available


vehicles




& tour manager

Hotel porterage


fees included

Weather

Athens


A 12 13 15 19 24 29 32 31 28 22 18 14

B 5 6 7 10 14 19 21 21 18 14 10 7

C 63 54 50 31 23 12 6 6 13 55 64 80




Considered the birthplace of Western

civilisation, Greece’s influence still resonates

today in the fields of architecture, science,

engineering and philosophy. Incorporating

the classical sites of Olympia, Delphi,

Mycenae and Epidaurus, this tour also visits

the extraordinary rock formations of the

Meteora region and the man-made marvels

of the Corinth Canal.


Wine tasting in Nafplion

Visit the little-known medieval town

of Monemvasia

Olive oil museum and tasting in Mystras

Join a truffe hunt in Meteora

Day 1: Fly to Athens

Fly from London to Athens with British Airways.

Transfer to the Hotel Athenian Callirhoe (or

similar) for 1 night. Welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2: Athens • Corinth • Nafplion

Morning tour of Athens, including Syntagma

Square, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Zeus

and the Panathenaic Stadium. Finish at the

Acropolis to view the Parthenon and visit the

museum. Leave Athens and visit the Corinth

Canal. Continue to Nafplion, with a stop at a

local winery for a tasting. Stay at the Hotel

Grande Bretagne (or similar) for 2 nights. (B, D)

St Stephen’s Monastery, Meteora

Day 3: Nafplion • Mycenae • Epidaurus

Drive to Mycenae, the seat of mythic King

Agamemnon who led the Greek armies against

Troy. Visit the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean Walls

and the Royal Tombs. Depart for Nafplion, a

picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff.

Continue to Epidaurus to visit the fourthcentury

theatre. Return to Nafplion. (B)

Day 4: Nafplion • Monemvasia

En route to Monemvasia, visit the Museum of

the Olive to learn about the history, culture

and cultivation of the olive in Greece; and

Sparta, land of legendary King Leonidas and

his Spartan army. Arrive in Monemvasia

for a walking tour of its narrow, cobbled

lanes, visiting the castle, perimeter walls, old

mansions and churches. Time at leisure before

dinner within this medieval fortified town.

Overnight at Kinsterna Hotel (or similar). (B, D)

Day 5: Mystras • Kalamata

This morning travel to Mystras and visit the

remains of the castle and old town. Overnight

at Filoxenia Hotel (or similar). (B, D)

Day 6: Kalamata • Olympia

Depart for Olympia, visiting an olive oil farm

en route. Overnight in Olympia at the Europa

Hotel (or similar). (B)

Day 7: Olympia • Delphi

Visit the archaeological site of Olympia,

including the museum, stadium and Sanctuary

of Olympian Zeus. Continue to Delphi. Stay 2

nights at the Amalia Hotel (or similar). (B)

Day 8: Delphi

A full day to enjoy the archaeological site and

museum at Delphi, on the slopes of Mount

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REGION

Ancient theatre and temple of Apollo, Delphi

Parnassus. Visit the Athenian Treasury,

the Temple of Apollo and the museum

containing masterpieces of ancient Greek

sculpture. (B)

Day 9: Kalambaka

Travel to Kalambaka and visit the Natural

History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom

Museum. Take part in a demonstration of

truffe hunting with dogs, followed by a snack

of mushroom and truffe pasta. Stay at the

Divani Meteora Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights.

(B, L, D)

Day 10: Kalambaka

Full-day visit to the remarkable Meteora

monasteries, built high on rocky outcrops.

(B, D)

Day 11: Mount Olympus • Athens

Depart from Kalambaka and transfer to the

Archaeological Park of Dion, a sacred city of the

Macedonians at the foot of Mount Olympus.

The long route back to Athens passes through

the striking Plain of Thessaly, with its bucolic

panoramas, and the Vale of Tempe. Overnight

at the Hotel Athenian Callirhoe (or similar).

Farewell drink at the hotel. (B)


Transfer to Athens airport and fly to

London. (B)








Group tour











Private tour












Out Rtn

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24 May 24 04 Jun 24

14 Jun 24 25 Jun 24

28 Jun 24 09 Jul 24

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20 Sep 24 01 Oct 24

04 Oct 24 15 Oct 24

18 Oct 24 29 Oct 24

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23 May 25 03 Jun 25

13 Jun 25 24 Jun 25

27 Jun 25 08 Jul 25

Tour code: GRD

Out Rtn

05 Sep 25 16 Sep 25

19 Sep 25 30 Sep 25

03 Oct 25 14 Oct 25

17 Oct 25 28 Oct 25




167

EUROPE • GREECE

The Wonders

of Ancient Crete







people (max 18)

Weather

Heraklion



upgrades available


British Airways


vehicles



Welcome lunch & farewell drink


Hotel porterage


fees included


A 14 14 15 19 23 27 28 28 25 22 19 15

B 7 8 8 11 14 18 20 20 18 15 12 9

C 153 118 90 38 20 8 3 1 23 95 83 122




As a strategic gateway to the eastern

Mediterranean, Crete has been ruled by a

number of great powers, from the Minoans,

one of Europe’s first civilisations, to the

Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires.

This tour explores Crete’s scenic and cultural

highlights, including the Palace of Knossos,

an incomparable monument of ancient

Minoan society.


Beekeeping experience and honey

tasting

Visits to the archaeological sites of

Knossos and Eleftherna

Wine tasting with a traditional

Cretan lunch

Boat trip to the isle of Spinalonga, once

a Venetian fortress

Day 1: Fly to Heraklion • Rethymno


available) to Heraklion with British Airways.

Transfer to Theartemis Palace in Rethymno

(or similar) for 3 nights. (N)

Day 2: Aptera • Chania

Morning visit to the ancient site of Aptera.

Continue to the town of Chania with its Venetian

Spinalonga

harbour, and visit the Allied Cemetery, which

contains 1,545 burials from the second world

war. Enjoy a welcome lunch, then continue to

Rethymno for a guided city walk. (B, L)

Day 3: Arkadi • Eleftherna • Rethymno

This morning, visit the fortified monastery of

Arkadi. Continue to the Museum of Ancient

Eleftherna with its impressive collection of

artefacts from Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. Meet

a beekeeper for an introduction to beehives

and their cultivation. (B)

Day 4: Phaestos • Matala • Heraklion

Drive across the island to the Messara Plain

and visit Phaestos, the second Minoan palace.

Continue to Matala, a pretty seaside town,

and enjoy a swim or relax on the beach.

Drive to Heraklion, stopping en route at

the archaeological site of Gortys. Stay 4

nights at the Aquila Atlantis Hotel

(or similar). (B)

Day 5: Knossos • Pediados

Morning drive to the ancient Minoan Palace of

Knossos, the centre of Europe’s first civilisation.

According to myth, it was home to King Minos

and site of the legend of Theseus slaying the

Minotaur in the labyrinth. Then drive to the

Pediados region south of Heraklion, Crete’s

most famous wine-producing area. Visit a wine

estate for an introduction to Cretan wine with

tasting and a traditional lunch. Afternoon at

leisure. (B, L)

Day 6: Kera • Spinalonga • Heraklion

Visit the Church of Panagia Kera to view the

168


REGION

finest Byzantine frescoes in Crete. Continue

to Elounda and take a boat to Spinalonga.

Formerly a leper colony, this fortified island has

been imprinted by Greek, Ottoman, Byzantine

and Venetian occupation. Return to Heraklion

via the port town of Agios Nikolaos. (B)

Day 7: Heraklion

Morning at leisure to relax by the pool or

explore Heraklion’s old town. Afternoon guided

visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

with its collection of Minoan treasure. Enjoy a



Morning at leisure. Afternoon flight to London

with British Airways. (B)



Tour + Athens


Extend your time in Greece with 3 nights in

Athens, staying at the B4B Signature Hotel.

Your tour cost includes a flight from Crete to

Athens as well as any transfers required on a

private basis.


Group tour






Ruins at the Palace of Knossos








Private tour






Tour code: CRH

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Naxos


The largest of the Cyclades, Naxos lures

visitors with its sandy southwestern beaches.

Its rich history is a draw, too: Venetian and

Byzantine rulers have each left their mark on

the island. The pretty waterfront town of

Chora is just the place to try the excellent

local wine, cheese, and freshly caught fish.

Stay 3 nights at Argo Boutique Hotel,

transfers included.









Out Rtn

11 May 24 18 May 24

08 Jun 24 15 Jun 24

07 Sep 24 14 Sep 24

Out Rtn

14 Sep 24 21 Sep 24

05 Oct 24 12 Oct 24

19 Oct 24 26 Oct 24

Out Rtn

10 May 25 17 May 25

07 Jun 25 14 Jun 25

06 Sep 25 13 Sep 25

Out Rtn

13 Sep 25 20 Sep 25

04 Oct 25 11 Oct 25

18 Oct 25 25 Oct 25




169

EUROPE • TURKEY & THE CAUCASUS

Discover Turkey & the Caucasus

Turkey has played a major role in the

history of the Mediterranean world. Due

to its strategic location straddling two

continents, it became a crucial crossroads

and staging post on the trade routes

between East and West. Several empires

rose and fell over the centuries, from the

Hittites to the Byzantines and, finally, the

Ottomans.

To the east, on the ancient Silk Road, lies the

Caucasus region. Encompassing Georgia,

Armenia and Azerbaijan, it offers some of

Europe’s oldest churches, fine wines and

cognacs, as well the impressive palaces and

mosques commissioned by the Khans who

once ruled these lands.

Ancient Palace of Shaki Khans, Azerbaijan

Istanbul, Turkey

Topkapi Palace • Hagia Sophia •

Grand Bazaar

Istanbul, once the capital of the Byzantine

and Ottoman Empires, enjoyed centuries of

imperial patronage, which created one of the

most famous skylines in the world. Its mosques

and palaces are replete with exquisite tile

decoration, fine woodwork and luxurious

furnishings. The 15th-century Topkapi Palace,

home to the sultans and their families, remains

a magnificent treasure house and, together

with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia,

reflects a fascinating fusion of Eastern and

Western cultures. Meanwhile, Istanbul’s Grand

Bazaar is one of the world’s largest and oldest

covered markets, and bustles with hundreds of

thousands of shoppers and traders daily.

Kakheti, Georgia

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

Wine tasting • Gremi citadel •

Alaverdi Monastery

8,000 years ago, prehistoric people were

cultivating wine in what is now Georgia, and

left behind the oldest evidence of viticulture

found anywhere in the world. Kakheti, a

mountainous region with its own dialect,

has emerged as one of the country’s leading

winemaking regions. Here, celebrated estates

such as Tsinandali offer visitors tastings

amid bucolic surrounds. On top of lauded

vino, Kakheti is home to impressive historical

monuments such as Gremi, a 16th-century

hilltop citadel on the Silk Road; and the

11th-century Alaverdi Monastery – one of

Georgia’s four ‘Great Cathedrals’ alongside

Oshki, Svetitskhoveli, and Bagrat.

Signaghi, Kakheti region, Georgia

170


Experiences

Stay in a cave hotel, Turkey

Cappadocia is famed for its striking rock

landscape, including fantastical ‘fairy chimneys’

and the centuries-old dwellings and churches

carved into them. In addition to touring the

region, you can stay in a rock-carved hotel

yourself, such as the Yunak Evleri cave houses

or the luxurious Museum Hotel.

Cruise on the Bosphorus, Turkey

The Bosphorus Strait divides Istanbul – and

Turkey itself – between Europe and Asia.

Discover the impressive sights on both shores

with a Bosphorus cruise. From Istanbul,

you can sail as far as the Black Sea, passing

Ottoman mansions, castles and forts; forested

hills; and pretty villages.

Taste brandy in Yerevan, Armenia

Armenian brandy was reputedly a favourite

tipple of Winston Churchill, who it’s said

arranged for several cases to be shipped to

him each year. You can sample this spirit

yourself at the Armenian factory which once

supplied it to the Tsars of Russia and the rulers

of the USSR.

Pera Palace Hotel,

Istanbul

Built in 1892 to accommodate passengers from

the Orient Express rail service from Paris, the

Pera Palace is considered one of the finest

hotels in Istanbul. In its illustrious history, it

has played host to famous figures including

Turkey’s founder, Atatürk; femme fatale Mata

Hari; actress Greta Garbo; and authors Ernest

Hemingway and Agatha Christie. Christie

is rumoured to have written Murder on the

Orient Express while staying in room 411. The

hotel’s refurbished rooms retain a classical

style. Guests can wine and dine in a range

of sumptuous lounges, bars and restaurants

– one of which boasts a summer terrace

overlooking the Bosphorus.

Suggested itinerary

Georgia in Luxury

8 days & 7 nights


Category • Luxury

This fully escorted private tour explores the

Caucasian nation of Georgia, beginning with

Tbilisi’s Old Town, followed by tastings at

some of the country’s finest wineries, and

guided visits to UNESCO-listed cathedrals

and monasteries.

Day 1: Fly to Tbilisi

Arrive in Tbilisi and stay 2 nights at Rooms

Hotel Tbilisi. Enjoy a welcome cocktail. (N)

Day 2: Tbilisi

Morning tour of Tbilisi’s Old Town. Privately

tour Zakaria Paliashvili Opera and Ballet

Theatre, then attend a Georgian cooking

class. Afternoon visit to Tbilisi Sulfur

Bathhouse for a treatment and tea. Free time

before dinner at a top restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Tbilisi • Sighnaghi • Tsinandali

Explore the Kakheti region, birthplace of

Georgia’s viticulture. Stop at the ninthcentury

Bodbe Convent, then arrive in the

fortified town of Sighnaghi. Meander through

its pretty streets before lunch with a local

family. Overnight at the Radisson Collection

Tsinandali Estate, where you enjoy a tour,

wine tasting, and dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Alaverdi • Gremi • Shilda • Tbilisi

Morning visit to Alaverdi Cathedral followed

by the Gremi complex. Lunch and wine

tasting at Shilda Winery, followed by breadmaking

and mtsvadi cooking demonstration.

Overnight at Rooms Hotel Tbilisi. (B, L)

Day 5: Mtskheta • Ananuri • Kazbegi

Tour Mtskheta, beginning with Jvari Church

and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Continue to

Ananuri fortress, then Kazbegi to stay 2

nights at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. (B, L)

Day 6: Kazbegi

Ascend to the hilltop church of Gergeti by 4x4

or on foot. Return for traditional lunch with a

local family. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L)

Day 7: Uplistsikhe • Gori • Tbilisi

Visit rock-hewn Uplistsikhe, one of Georgia’s

oldest urban settlements and a centre of

pagan worship. Continue to Gori, birthplace

of Stalin, with optional museum visit. Lunch

at 19th-century Château Mukhrani. Overnight

at Rooms Hotel Tbilisi. (B, L)

Day 8: Fly home

Transfer to Tbilisi airport and fly home. (B)

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3411 2135



171

EUROPE • TURKEY

Classical

Turkey







people (max 18)


Flexible – extension, room & flight

upgrades available

Flights with Turkish Airlines


vehicles





Hotel porterage


fees included

Weather

Istanbul


A 8 9 11 16 21 25 27 27 24 19 15 11

B 2 3 4 7 12 16 18 18 16 12 8 5

C 110 75 72 50 35 28 25 35 43 76 97 126




Once the centre of the Ottoman empire,

Turkey has both shaped and been shaped

by cultures on either side of the Bosphorus.

Today, its marriage of Western and Eastern

traditions is an irresistible draw for visitors.

This tour combines Turkey’s many natural

wonders and man-made marvels, including

the striking architecture of Hagia Sofia and

the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the remarkable

classical sites of Troy, Aphrodisias and

Ephesus, and the ancient hot springs

of Pamukkale.


Visit the shop where Turkish delight

was invented

Turkish coffee tasting experience

Wine tasting in a historically

Greek village

Day 1: Fly to Istanbul


available) to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.

Transfer to the Levni Hotel (or similar) for

3 nights. Join your group for a welcome

dinner. (D)

Day 2: Istanbul

Morning tour of Istanbul including Hagia

Sofia, built as a church by Emperor Justinian

in the sixth century; the Blue Mosque, with

its exquisite blue tiles; and the remains of

the Hippodrome, which at its height could

accommodate 100,000 spectators. Afternoon

Travertine pools, Pamukkale

visit to the Basilica Cistern, a marvel of

Byzantine engineering located underneath the

city, and finish at the Egyptian Bazaar. (B)

Day 3: Istanbul

Morning tour of Topkapi Palace, formerly the

imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans.

Tour the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s famed

covered market, and enjoy a traditional

Turkish coffee. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Canakkale

Morning drive to Canakkale. Tour of the

Gallipoli battlefield, scene of the aborted Allied

invasion of 1915. Visit Cape Helles, Suvla Bay

and Anzac Cove. Stay at the Kolin Hotel

(or similar) for 1 night. (B, D)

Day 5: Troy • Pergamon • Izmir

Drive from Canakkale to Izmir, stopping en

route to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site

of Troy. Continue to Pergamon for a tour of the

historic town, including visits to the Acropolis

and the Asclepieion. Transfer to the Key Hotel

(or similar) for 1 night. (B)

Day 6: Hierapolis • Pamukkale • Laodicea

Morning drive to the Hierapolis ruins, the

travertine terraces, and the hot springs at

Pamukkale. Continue to Laodicea, home to the

ruins of one of the seven Biblical churches of

Asia MInor. Stay overnight at the Adempira

Hotel & Spa (or similar) in Pamukkale. (B, D)

Day 7: Aphrodisias • Kusadasi

Drive to Aphrodisias. Visit the Temple of

Aphrodite and one of the most complete

ancient amphitheatres. Drive on to the

village of Sirince, with its authentic Graeco-

Mediterranean architecture of narrow cobbled

streets and whitewashed houses. Enjoy

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REGION

wine tasting at a nearby vineyard. Continue

to Kusadasi and stay 2 nights at Ilayda

Avantgarde Hotel (or similar). (B)

Day 8: Ephesus

Morning tour of Ephesus, once the capital of

Roman Asia Minor. See the remains of the

Temple of Artemis, one of the original ‘Seven

Wonders of the Ancient World’, as well as the

main site with its fabled Library of Celsus.

Continue to the house of the Virgin Mary.

Afternoon at leisure or optional visit to the

hillside town of Priene and the ancient Ionian

ports of the Menderes Valley. In the evening,

enjoy a farewell drink at your hotel. (B)


Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the

airport and fly to London, via Istanbul. (B)





Group tour


Guide price month: Apr & Oct




Turkish Airlines flight upgrades


Topkapi Palace, Istanbul





Private tour






Tour code: CLT





TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Cappadocia


Extend your tour with 3 nights to visit Turkey’s

renowned Cappadocia region. Admire

fascinating cave dwellings, historic villages, and

some of the world’s oldest churches.





Out Rtn

20 Apr 24 28 Apr 24

11 May 24 19 May 24

01 Jun 24 09 Jun 24

22 Jun 24 30 Jun 24

Out Rtn

07 Sep 24 15 Sep 24

21 Sep 24 29 Sep 24

18 Oct 24 26 Oct 24

Out Rtn

19 Apr 25 27 Apr 25

10 May 25 18 May 25

31 May 25 08 Jun 25

21 Jun 25 29 Jun 25

Out Rtn

06 Sep 25 14 Sep 25

20 Sep 25 28 Sep 25

17 Oct 25 24 Oct 25




173

EUROPE • TURKEY

Istanbul:

Byzantines & Ottomans




History • Archaeology • Art • Architecture

Tour overview

Accompanied by your specialist lecturer,

explore the cultural capital that is

Istanbul. Known as Constantinople

until the early 20th century, the city

has been the seat of Roman, Byzantine

and Ottoman emperors, with each

leaving their distinctive legacy. Whether

admiring the engineering marvel of

Hagia Sophia, or the opulence of the

Topkapi Palace, your lecturer and guide

will be on hand to bring millennia of

history to life. Staying in the heart of

the historic city, you are able to easily

explore at leisure during your free time.

For those wishing to discover more of

Turkey, pre-and post-extensions are

available on request.


Visit Topkapi Palace, the primary

residence of the Ottoman sultans for

more than 400 years

Enjoy a ferry ride to the Princes’

Islands, famed for their beautiful

gardens and villas

Stay at a premium hotel in Istanbul’s

historic centre for the duration of

the tour






and Chairman of the



contacts guarantee special access to many

monasteries and churches. He has worked

in Jordan, Cairo and Turkey, and travelled

in the Middle East and Central Asia.









Day 1: Fly from London to Istanbul

Fly from London Heathrow to Istanbul with

British Airways. Transfer to the Levni Hotel for

6 nights. (D)

Day 2: Istanbul

Morning visit to the Church of Theotokos

Kyriotissa (Kalenderhane Camii), Zoodochos

Pigi (Silivri Kapi cemetery), Suleymaniye

mosque complex, and Basilica of St John of

Studius (Imrahor Camii) – the oldest church in

Istanbul, erected in 454AD. In the afternoon,

see the magnificent mosaics and frescoes

of St Saviour in Chora (Kariye Camii) (subject

to confirmation), Theotokos Pammakaristos

(Fethiye Camii), the Porphyrogenitus Palace

ruins, and the Theodocian city walls at

Edirne Kapi. (B)

Day 3: The Princes’ Islands

Take the early morning public ferry to the

Princes’ Islands, a nine-island archipelago in

the Sea of Marmara, passing Leander’s Tower,

ancient Chalcedon and Antigone. Stop at Chalki

to visit the Church of St Nikolaos and the Greek

Orthodox seminary. Continue to the isle of

Prinkipo to visit the Monastery of St George.

The final visit of the day is to the Crimea

Memorial Church, built in the mid-19th century

in memory of fallen British soldiers, where a

special drinks reception has been arranged

(subject to confirmation). (B)

Day 4: Istanbul

Take a morning walking tour of Sultanahmet,

including Topkapi Palace and the superb

Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

collections of the archaeological museum.

In the afternoon, view the remains of the

Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue

Mosque, the Mosaics Museum and the Church

of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Kucuk Hagia

Sofia). (B)

Day 5: Edirne (Adrianople)

Full day sightseeing in Edirne, once known as

Adrianople and the Ottoman capital prior to

1453. Visit the Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO

World Heritage Site; the nearby Old Mosque;

Sultan Bayezid II Complex; Ali Pasha Bazaar;

and the Macedonian Tower. (B)

Day 6: Istanbul

Morning visit to the Church of Theotokos

Panaghiotissa (known as Mouchliotissa), the

only Byzantine church in the city still belonging

to the Greek Orthodox patriarchate. Continue

around the old Greek district of Fener,

including the Cathedral of St George. This

afternoon, visit the Basilica Cistern and the

lively Grand Bazaar, then conclude with a stop

at the garden of the sacred shrine and spring,

Ayazma Blachernae, dating back to 451AD.

Evening farewell dinner in the historic Eminönü

district. (B, D)


Morning walking tour of Beyazit, the Third Hill

and the old city centre. Fly from Istanbul to

London Heathrow with British Airways. (B)



174


Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Cappadocia





the time of departure. Also, churches, private





Extend your tour with 3 nights to visit Turkey’s

renowned Cappadocia region. Admire

fascinating cave dwellings, historic villages and

some of the world’s oldest churches.













Tour code: TIS


15 Jun – 21 Jun 24 with DrWilliam Taylor from £1,795 single supp. from £425

19 Oct – 25 Oct 24 with Rowena Loverance from £1,795 single supp. from £425


14 Jun – 20 Jun 25 with Rowena Loverance from £1,895 single supp. from £495

18 Oct – 24 Oct 25 with Rowena Loverance from £1,895 single supp. from £495









175

EUROPE • AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA & ARMENIA

Across the

Southern Caucasus







people (max 18)

Yerevan



upgrades available



vehicles





Hotel porterage


fees included

Weather

Baku


A 7 6 10 17 22 27 30 30 26 19 14 9

B 1 1 3 8 13 18 22 21 18 12 8 3

C 23 23 25 26 13 9 2 7 17 31 31 26


A -1 1 9 16 21 26 30 30 26 18 10 3

B -10 -8 -2 4 8 12 16 15 11 4 -1 -6

C 15 21 29 45 65 52 31 23 19 32 22 15




Take an exciting journey across all three

states of the southern Caucasus. Beginning

in the oil-rich Muslim nation of Azerbaijan on

the shores of the Caspian Sea, you will travel

through Georgia, famous for its ancient

monasteries and viticulture, and finish in the

small, proud nation of Armenia, one of the

oldest Christian countries in the world.


Visit beautiful Khan Palace in Azerbaijan

Taste Georgian wine and brandy

Attend a performance of Armenian

spiritual music

Join a masterclass in making arishta,

traditional Armenian pasta

Day 1: Fly to Baku, Azerbaijan


available) to Baku, Azerbaijan via Istanbul,

Turkey, with Turkish Airlines. Transfer to

Midtown Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. (N)

Day 2: Gobustan • Baku • Absheron

Admire Gobustan’s 20,000-year-old rock

carvings. Return to Baku for a sightseeing tour,

before an excursion to Absheron to see the

Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dagh fire. In

the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. (B, D)

Day 3: Shemahka • Kish • Shaki

Visit the Yeddi Gumbez mausoleum in

Shemahka. Continue to Shaki, stopping en

route at a sixth-century Albanian church.

Overnight at Sheki Saray (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 4: Shaki • Telavi, Georgia

Tour Shaki, scenically set in the Caucasus

foothills, including its 18th-century palace.

Haghpat Monastery, Armenia

Cross the border into Georgia for a vineyard

lunch and wine tasting. Continue to Telavi via

the Gremi monastery. Overnight at Chateau

Mere (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 5: Telavi • Sighnaghi • Tbilisi

Morning visit to Telavi market. Meet a qvevri

master, who will demonstrate how these large

earthenware wine-keeping jars are made.

Sample local wine and ‘fire-water’ brandy

before lunch at Tsinandali wine estate. This

afternoon, tour the hilltop town of Sighnaghi.

Drive to Tbilisi and stay at the Shota@Rustaveli

Boutique Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. (B, L)

Day 6: Tbilisi

Tour the Georgian capital, including the Old

Town, with its beautiful Orthodox churches,

mosque, synagogue and sulphur baths. Your

afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 7: Gori • Uplistsikhe • Kazbegi

Visit the sixth-century Jvari Monastery, then

continue to Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin.

See the museum, his private train, and the

house where he was born. Travel to Kazbegi

via the cave city of Uplistsikhe, set on the path

of the Silk Road. Overnight at Hotel Porta

Caucasia (or similar). (B, D)

Day 8: Gergeti • Tbilisi

Exursion on foot to the picturesque, 14thcentury

church of Gergeti Trinity. Return to

Tbilisi for time at leisure. (B)

Day 9: Yerevan, Armenia

Cross the Armenian border and continue to

the UNESCO-listed Haghpat monastery, a

masterpiece of Armenian architecture. Stay

4 nights at Hotel Apricot, just off Yerevan’s

Republic Square. (B)

Day 10: Echmiatsin • Zvartnots

Visit Echmiatsin Cathedral, founded in 303AD

and still the offcial residence of the Catholic

Church in Armenia. Continue to the seventhcentury

Zvartnots temple. Have lunch in the

176


Old Town of Tbilisi, Georgia

village of Parakar and take part in a cooking

lesson, learning how to make arishta (traditional

Armenian pasta) and sweet sudzukh. (B, L)

Day 11: Yerevan

Tour Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest

continuously inhabited cities. Visit the city’s

museum of ancient manuscripts, and the

genocide memorial complex. (B)

Day 12: Khor Virap • Noravank • Yerevan

Travel to Khor Virap monastery, where

Armenia’s patron saint, Gregory the Illuminator,

was imprisoned. Savour views of the Ararat

Mountain, then continue to Noravank

monastery, dramatically situated within a gorge.

Visit the wine-producing village of Areni for

lunch. Return to Yerevan. Attend dinner with

folk music at an Armenian restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Garni • Geghard • Sevan • Dilijan

Visit Garni, Armenia’s only surviving Hellenistic

temple, then attend a performance of spiritual

music. Admire the basalt formations of Garni

Gorge, before continuing to the fourth-century,

mountain-carved monastery of Geghard.

Enjoy lunch with a local family and a lavash

bread-making lesson, then visit two 10thcentury

monasteries. Drive to Dilijan and

overnight at the Best Western Paradise (or

similar). Farewell drink with your group. (B, L)

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Istanbul


Pause your journey to Baku or from Tbilisi and

enjoy 2 nights to explore Istanbul, Turkey. Our

extension includes 2 nights at the 5-star Hotel

Levni (or similar) and any required transfers.


Group tour






Turkish Airlines flight upgrades

Business Class from £1,495





tailored to your exact requirements.

Please call 020 3411 2135 or visit


Private tour












Tour code: AZA

Day 14: Dilijan • Goshavank • Tbilisi, Georgia

Morning stroll in Dilijan followed by a visit

to Goshavank Monastery and its green and

pleasant surrounds. Drive to Tbilisi Airport for

your flight home. (B)

Out Rtn

27 Apr 24 10 May 24

11 May 24 24 May 24

22 Jun 24 05 Jul 24

31 Aug 24 13 Sep 24

Out Rtn

07 Sep 24 20 Sep 24

12 Oct 24 25 Oct 24

Out Rtn

26 Apr 25 09 May 25

10 May 25 23 May 25

21 Jun 25 04 Jul 25

30 Aug 25 12 Sep 25

Out Rtn

06 Sep 25 19 Sep 25

27 Sep 25 10 Oct 25

11 Oct 25 24 Oct 25






177

EUROPE • ARMENIA & GEORGIA

Armenia & Georgia:

Treasures of the Caucasus




History • Art • Archaeology

Tour overview

Explore the spectacular highland

countries of Armenia and Georgia,

the world’s oldest Christian nations,

with experts Dr William Taylor or

Rowena Loverance. Both countries

contain a treasure trove of ancient ruins,

churches and monasteries together with

centuries-old folk traditions. Europe

meets Asia in this spectacular and

historic region of the Caucasus, where

visitors will find a friendly welcome,

excellent food and wine, and varied

landscapes.


Visit awe-inspiring medieval

monasteries

Private visit to the Georgia Museum

of Art guided by a senior curator

Exclusive visits to monasteries and

meetings with local religious leaders

All meals included














and Chairman of the



contacts guarantee special access to many

monasteries and churches. He has worked

in Jordan, Cairo and Turkey, and travelled

in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Day 1: Fly to Tbilisi, Georgia

Fly from London to Tbilisi, Georgia via Istanbul,

Turkey, with Turkish Airlines. Arrive and

transfer to the Museum Hotel Orbeliani (or

similar) for 2 nights. (N)

Day 2: Tbilisi

Today’s full-day tour of Tbilisi includes a cable

car ride to fourth-century Narikala Fortress,

which occupies a scenic spot overlooking the

city; and the fifth-century Metekhi Church, an

unusual cross-cupola church which became

an infamous prison during the Soviet era.

Visit the State Museum, home to hundreds of

Caucasian icons and metalwork dating from

the Bronze Age to the 20th century. Spend

the remainder of the afternoon at the Georgia

Museum of Art on a private guided visit, led by

a senior curator. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Dilijan • Yerevan, Armenia

Depart Tbilisi and cross the border to Armenia.

Visit the 13th-century Haghartsin Monastery,

followed by lunch in the picturesque town

of Dilijan. Continue to Yerevan and stay at

the Hotel Metropol (or similar) for 3 nights.

(B, L, D)

Day 4: Yerevan

Take a full-day tour of Yerevan with visits

including the Matenadaran – the repository

of ancient Armenian manuscripts – and

Erebuni Fortress, where you meet a local

expert (subject to confirmation). Continue to

Tsitsernakaberd, a memorial and museum

dedicated to the Armenian genocide of 1915,

with its picturesque views over the city. Next,

visit the National Art Gallery, which contains

some excellent examples of medieval frescoes

and Armenian and European art. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Echmiatsin • Zvartnots • Garni

Begin your day with a visit to the UNESCO

Temple of Garni, Armenia

World Heritage Site of Echmiatsin (now

called Vagharshapat), the spiritual centre of

the Armenian-Gregorian Church, and take a

private behind-the-scenes tour of the monastic

complex. Visit a fine example of Armenian

architecture at the St Hripsime Church before

visiting Echmiatsin Cathedral, the oldest statebuilt

cathedral in the world, dating back to the

early fourth century. Inside the cathedral is

the reputed Holy Lance that pierced Christ’s

side during his crucifixion. Proceed to the

seventh-century ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral.

End the day with a visit to the temple of Garni,

a classical Hellenistic temple that is the bestknown

structure and symbol of pre-Christian

Armenia. Nearby is the medieval monastery of

Geghard, partially carved out of cliffs within a

plunging valley. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Lake Sevan • Tbilisi, Georgia

Cross the border to Georgia, stopping en route

to see Lake Sevan and the UNESCO-protected

monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, unique

for their 10th-century architectural styles.

Proceed to Tbilisi and stay 2 nights at the

Museum Hotel (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 7: Mtskheta • Gori • Kutaisi

Drive north-west to the UNESCO World

Heritage Site of Mtskheta. Lying at the

confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers,

the city was the place where Christianity was

proclaimed as the offcial religion of Georgia in

337 AD. Continue to the nearby church of Jvari,

then to Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Visit

the intriguing Stalin Museum, which features

numerous personal artefacts, including Stalin’s

notorious armour-plated railway carriage.

Drive to Kutaisi and spend 1 night at the

Bagrati Hotel (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 8: Bagrati • Gelati • Ubisa • Tbilisi

This morning, visit Bagrati Cathedral, which

178


REGION

St Nino at Bode monastery, Signagi, Georgia

occupies a prominent position over Kutaisi.

Continue to the Gelati monastery complex,

built by the former king of Georgia, David IV

the Builder. This UNESCO World Heritage Site

features a number of 12th- and 13th-century

churches and houses numerous murals,

mosaics and manuscripts. Drive eastwards

to Tbilisi, stopping at Ubisa for a short visit.

Overnight at the Museum Hotel (or similar),

Tbilisi. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Gremi • Bodbe • Signagi

Travel east through the hills and winelands of

Kakheti to the town of Gremi, destroyed by

Shah Abbas’s army in the 16th century, save for

the well preserved Royal Tower and Church of

Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Next, drive to

Signagi via the monastery of St Nino at Bodbe,

a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex and

one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia,

with views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

Overnight at Kabadoni Hotel (or similar).

(B, L, D)

Day 10: Signagi • Tsinandali • Telavi • Ikalto •

Alaverdi • Tbilisi

After a walking tour of Signagi, visit Tsinandali,

the palace and vineyard of a Georgian noble

family. Nearby is Telavi, capital of the Kakheti

region and home to the best vineyards in

the country. Continue to the Ikalto Academy,

which – together with Gelati – is the pinnacle

of Georgia’s great medieval academies.

After lunch at a wine house or with a local

family, visit Alaverdi, a functioning Georgian

monastery dating from the sixth century,

including its towering 11th-century cathedral.

Return to Tbilisi for a farewell dinner and stay

overnight at the Museum Hotel (or similar).

(B, L, D)

Day 11: Fly to London via Istanbul

Transfer to Tbilisi airport. Fly to London, via

Istanbul, Turkey. (B)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Istanbul


Pause your journey to or from Tbilisi and

enjoy 2 nights to explore Istanbul, Turkey.

Our extension includes 2 nights at the 5-star

Hotel Levni (or similar) and any required

transfers.

Dates & guideline prices for 2024-25















the time of departure. Also, churches,

private houses and other buildings often

have fluid opening times. If any visits have

to be re-arranged, please be assured that

we will seek alternatives of equal interest.

Tour code: AYG

20 May – 30 May 24 with Dr William Taylor from £3,795 single supp. from £695

24 Jun – 04 Jul 24 with Rowena Loverance from £3,695 single supp. from £695

14 Oct – 24 Oct 24 with Dr William Taylor from £3,595 single supp. from £695

26 May – 05 Jun 25 with Dr William Taylor from £3,895 single supp. from £795

23 Jun – 03 Jul 25 with Rowena Loverance from £3,795 single supp. from £795

13 Oct – 23 Oct 25 with Dr William Taylor from £3,795 single supp. from £795







179

EUROPE • THE BALKANS

Discover the Balkans & beyond

From the castles of Transylvania to the

island forests of Losinj, the Balkans

captivate with their wealth of historical

landmarks and cinematic landscapes.

Once a well-kept secret, this region of

southeast Europe is now enjoying its time

in the sun – though some corners remain

off the tourist radar.

The Dalmatian coast – encompassing

southern Croatia and Montenegro – offers

delightful beaches, warm azure seas, and

cities overflowing with history and culture.

The countries of the western Balkans,

meanwhile, offer a path less trodden,

particularly Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania

and Kosovo.

Prizren, Kosovo

St Domnius Cathedral, Split, Croatia

Ottoman architecture • Medieval monuments

Prizren is an important centre of culture in

Kosovo – Europe’s youngest nation – and

nicknamed the ‘Museum under the Open Sky’

for its heritage. Overlooked by a sixth-century

fortress, the city spills out across the lush

foothills of the Sharr Mountains from the bank

of the River Lumbardhi (Bistrica). Here you will

find signs of Ottoman and Byzantine influence,

especially in the Old Town. Landmarks include

the honey-stoned Sinan Pasha Mosque, with

its towering minaret; the 16th-century bridge

which straddles the river; the four UNESCOlisted

Orthodox Christian churches and

monasteries; and the café-lined, cobblestoned

Schadervan Square.

Transylvania, Romania

Prizren, Kosovo

Saxon churches • Mountain scenery •

Medieval castles

Transylvania offers a wealth of attractions,

including an imposing landscape of forests,

fortified Saxon churches, fairy-tale castles and

rural villages – all divided by the commanding

Carpathian Mountains and Transylvanian Alps.

The region has the royal seal of approval:

Britain’s King Charles III – himself a distant

ancestor of Romanian ruler Vlad the Impaler

– owns properties here, including a restored

guesthouse in the village of Zalanpatak.

Further highlights of the region include the

iconic Bran Castle, the fiery local brandy of

Palinca, and the pastel-hued town of Sighisoara

– a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bran Castle, Brasov, Romania

180


Experiences

Tastings at the Skenderbeu Winery,

Albania

Sample celebrated tipples at the Gjergj

Kastrioti Skenderbeu Winery, Albania’s largest

winery. Founded in 1933 and named after

national hero, Skenderbeu (Skanderbeg), it is

famed for its brandy, which you can try on a

tour of the distillery, production line and cellar.

Tour the lake-side town of Bled,

Slovenia

Located in the emerald foothills of the Julian

Alps, Bled is a charming little town complete

with an 11th-century clifftop castle. It overlooks

Lake Bled, home of the iconic Bled Island and

its exquisite Church of the Assumption, which

you can reach by gondola.

Explore scenic Herzegovina

Across the border from Croatia, about a

two-hour drive from both Split and Dubrovnik,

the region of Herzegovina is prized for its

stunning scenery, Mediterranean climate,

and fine wines. The historic city of Mostar

with its Ottoman bridge is a real highlight of

any visit.

Grand Hotel Continental, Bucharest,

Romania

Built in 1886, this five-star hotel lies in the

heart of Bucharest. It retains elements of its

original neoclassical design, including the

grand façade with its Doric columns, but has

been fully refurbished to offer a range of

luxury facilities. This includes an on-site spa,

and two restaurants serving Romanian and

international cuisine. Rooms are elegantly

furnished and equipped with contemporary

comforts. Guests are a short walk from the

Royal Palace, Revolution Square, and the

Romanian Athenaeum. The Grand Hotel

Continental is included in the ‘Timeless

Romania’ tour, p. 182.

Suggested itinerary

Sarajevo to Split by

Road & Rail

9 Days days & 8 nights

from £X,XXX £2,175 (incl. flights)


Visit Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia

on this private journey by road and rail,

staying in 4- and 5-star accommodation

throughout. Begin by exploring Ottomaninfluenced

Sarajevo and Mostar, travelling

between the two on one of Europe’s most

scenic train journeys. Sample celebrated

wines in Herzegovina, then cross the border

to the Croatian city of Split, where you can

uncover Roman history and unwind on the

Dalmatian Coast.

Day 1: Arrive Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Fly from London to Sarajevo. Transfer to

Hotel Europe for 2 nights. (N)

Day 2: Sarajevo

Morning touring of Sarajevo, in including Bascarsija

Bascarsija Square, Gazi Square, Husrev-beg Gazi Husrev-beg mosque, the

Mosque, impressive the city impressive hall of Vijećnica, city hall and of Vijećnica, the Latin

and Bridge the – Latin location Bridge of Archduke – location Ferdinand’s of

Archduke world-upending Ferdinand’s assassination. world-upending (B)

assassination.

Day 3: Mostar

Day Ride 3: First Mostar Class from Sarajevo to Mostar on

Ride one of First Europe’s Class from most Sarajevo scenic rail to journeys. Mostar on

one Transfer of Europe’s to Hotel most Eden scenic for 3 rail nights. journeys. (B)

Transfer Day 4: Mostar to Hotel Eden for 3 nights.

Day Enjoy 4: a Mostar morning walking tour of Mostar,

Enjoy visiting a the morning UNESCO-listed walking tour old of town Mostar, and

visiting bridge, Koski the UNESCO-listed Mehmed Pasha old Mosque, town and the

bridge, Church Koski of St. Mehmed Peter and Pasha Paul, and Mosque, the exterior the

Church of the Cathedral of St. Peter of and the Holy Paul, Trinity. and the Your exterior

of afternoon the Cathedral is leisure. of the (B) Holy Trinity. Your

afternoon Day 5: Herzegovina is at leisure. wine region

Day Your 5: morning Herzegovina is at leisure. wine region This afternoon,

Your enjoy morning a wine-tasting is at leisure. tour in This Herzegovina’s afternoon,

enjoy sun-kissed a wine-tasting southern tour vineyards. Herzegovina’s (B)

sun-kissed Day 6: Split, southern Croatiavineyards.

Day Transfer 6: Split, from Croatia Mostar over the border to

Transfer Split, Croatia, from set Mostar on the over Adriatic the border Sea. Check to in

Split, to Dioklecijan Croatia, set Hotel on the for 2 Adriatic nights. Sea. (B) Check in

to Days your 7 & 4-star 8: Split hotel for 2 nights.

Days Enjoy 7 two & 8: days Split at leisure to explore Split.

Days Landmarks at leisure include to explore the Diocletian’s Split. Landmarks Palace

include and surrounding the Diocletian’s Old Town; Palace leafy and Marjan

surrounding Park; and the Old Cathedral Town; leafy of St Marjan Domnius, Park;

and one the oldest Cathedral Catholic of St. cathedrals Domnius, in the

one world. the (B) oldest Catholic cathedrals in

the Day world. 9: Fly to the UK

Day Transfer 9: Fly to to Split the Airport UK for your return flight

Transfer to the UK. to (B) Split Airport for your return flight

to the UK.

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3411 2135



181

EUROPE • ROMANIA

Timeless

Romania







people (max 18)



upgrades available


British Airways



Welcome dinner with your group &

tour manager

Hotel porterage


fees included

Weather

Bucharest


A 1 4 10 18 24 27 29 29 25 18 10 4

B -6 -3 0 6 11 14 16 15 11 6 2 -3

C 41 39 39 46 70 77 58 59 44 32 51 45

Sighisoara


A 0 3 10 16 21 23 25 25 21 16 8 2

B -9 -6 -2 3 8 11 12 11 8 3 -1 -6

C 32 27 29 51 77 96 89 69 45 38 36 34




With its folkloric heritage, picturesque

villages and wonderful natural scenery,

Romania is fascinating to explore. This tour

reveals the country’s highlights, including

Transylvania’s fortified Saxon churches;

Bucovina’s exquisite painted monasteries,

dramatic castles and palaces; medieval towns

and the beautiful Carpathian Mountains.


Full day exploring the north’s

painted monasteries

Visit the palaces of Peles and Pelisor

Dine in a local family home

Visit the village of Viscri, frequented by

Britain’s King Charles III

Traditional dinner and dance show

Day 1: Fly to Bucharest


available) to Bucharest with British Airways.

Transfer to Grand Hotel Continental (or

similar) for 1 night. Welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2: Bucharest • Sibiu

Tour Bucharest, known as the ‘Paris of the

East’ due to its boulevards and belle epoque

buildings. View the Old Princely Court and

the Royal Palace. Transfer to Sibiu, staying at

Continental Forum (or similar) for 2 nights. (B)

Day 3: Sibiu • Sibiel

This morning, tour Sibiu’s old town followed

by time at leisure or a visit to the Brukenthal

Museum. In the evening, visit the picturesque

village of Sibiel. Enjoy dinner in a local

family home, including a meat-and-cabbage

rolls cooking demonstration. Return to Sibiu.

(B, D)

Day 4: Sibiu • Biertan • Sighisoara

Transfer to Sighisoara, via Biertan Fortified

Church one of the finest examples of late

medieval architecture in Transylvania and a

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to

Sighisoara, staying at the Hotel Central Park

(or similar) for 1 night. (B)

Day 5: Sighisoara • Targu Mures • Gura

Humorului

This morning, tour the UNESCO-listed town

of Sighisoara, a beautifully preserved medieval

settlement. The city walls encircle cobbled

streets lined with colourful 16th-century

Burgher houses. Visits include the citadel, the

Church on the Hill and the clock tower. Travel

north to Gura Humorului via Targu Mures, a

Hungarian stronghold. Stay 2 nights at the

La Conac Bucovina (or similar) and enjoy a

traditional dinner and dance show. (B, D)

Day 6: Gura Humorului

Tour the area’s remarkable painted

monasteries, considered to be among Europe’s

greatest artistic monuments and awarded

UNESCO World Heritage status. (B, D)

Day 7: Agapia • Lacu Rosu • Brasov

Head south to Brasov, via the Agapia

monastery, a Romanian Orthodox nunnery

dating back to 1649. Continue to Lacu Rosu

for lunch and on to Brasov. You have free

time in the afternoon to explore the city.

Stay at the Hotel Aro Palace (or similar) for

2 nights. (B, L)

Viscri

182


Peles Castle, Sinaia

Day 8: Brasov • Bran Castle • Sinaia

Take a short drive through the beautiful

Transylvanian countryside to Bran Castle,

which is famously associated with Dracula, the

legendary character from Bram Stoker’s gothic

novel. Enjoy a tour and coffee stop. Drive to

Sinaia to visit the palaces of Peles and Pelisor,

the former royal residences of King Carol I,

another beautifully restored UNESCO World

Heritage Site. Return to Brasov. (B)

Day 9: Brasov • Bucharest

This morning, tour the medieval town of

Brasov. View the Piata Sfatului, one of

Romania’s finest baroque squares; visit the

Black Church with its collection of more than

300 Ottoman rugs; see St Nicholas Church and

Romania’s first school. Proceed to Bucharest,

pausing en route to tour Viscri, a picturesque

village visited regularly by King Charles. Return

to Bucharest for a farewell drink, and overnight

at the Grand Hotel Continental (or similar). (B)

and from Mongolia, Siberia, India, Africa and

China. Explore the delta’s waterways and

spot an amazing array of birdlife.

Day 10: Danube Delta

Travel to Bestepe and stay at the Hotel Wels,

situated beside the delta, for 2 nights. (B)

Day 11: Danube Delta

Morning and afternoon excursions along the

delta’s waterways and lakes. (B)

Day 12: Bucharest

Travel back to Bucharest in the morning,

transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)


Group tour











make-an-enquiry

Private tour





Tour code: ROA

Day 10: Bucharest • Fly to London

Visit the Palace of Parliament, this morning –

the third largest building in the world. Early

afternoon, transfer to the airport and fly to

London. (B)



TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Danube Delta


The UNESCO-listed Danube Delta Biosphere

Reserve is one of the world’s largest wetlands

and is a migration hub for birds travelling to











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183

SOUTHERN EUROPE • ALBANIA

Across Albania

& Kosovo

NEW TOUR








upgrades available


(max 18)


British Airways


vehicles




& tour manager

Hotel porterage


fees included

Weather

Tirana


A 11 12 15 18 23 27 30 30 27 21 16 12

B 2 2 4 8 12 12 17 17 14 10 6 3

C 127 115 109 97 82 59 37 47 78 108 160 143




Known as the ‘Cradle of the Balkans’,

Albania is home to a wealth of natural

and historic sites. Beyond its lively capital,

Tirana, lies spectacular mountain and coastal

scenery as well as pretty Ottoman-era towns

such as Gjirokastër and Kruja. It’s also home

to many important Greek and Roman sites,

most notably Apollonia. Over Albania’s

northeastern border, Kosovo is a young

country where you can admire medieval

monasteries adorned with Byzantine

frescoes; and meander around historic

Ottoman towns with winding streets. This

tour reveals the best of an oft-overlooked

corner of the Mediterranean.


Taste Albanian wine at an awardwinning

vineyard

Admire the Byzantine and Ottoman

architecture of Kosovo

Enjoy dinner with a local family at a

typical Albanian village

Day 1: Arrive Tirana, Albania


available) to Tirana with British Airways.

Transfer and stay at the Hotel Opera Tirana

(or similar) for 2 nights. Enjoy a welcome

drink. (N)

Sinan Pasha Mosque, Prizren, Kosovo

Day 2: Tirana

This morning, visit the National Historical

Museum, followed by BunkArt – an antinuclear

bunker built under the city and now a museum

and modern art gallery. Afterwards, visit

Bektashi World Centre, the headquarters of a

Dervish sect that fuses elements of Shia and

Sufi Islam. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Apollonia • Gjirokastër

En route to Gjirokastër, visit the most important

Roman site in Albania, Apollonia, where

the nephew of Julius Caesar once studied.

Continue to Gjirokastër, famous for its Ottoman

architecture, grand fortress, and being the

birthplace of notorious dictator, Enver Hoxha.

Stay at Hotel Argjiro (or similar) for 2 nights. (B)

Day 4: Butrint

Depart for the ancient city of Butrint. You

travel along the spectacular Albanian Riviera,

stopping to visit the historic city of Sarandë.

Tour Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

and home to the country’s most important

archaeological museum. Return to Gjirokastër.

This evening, sample traditional cuisine

prepared by a local family in the picturesque

village of Dhoksat. (B, D)

Day 5: Gjirokastër • Berat

Spend the morning touring the key sights

of Gjirokastër. Visit Hoxha’s birthplace and

learn more about Albania’s recent history.

In the afternoon, depart for the town of

Berat, pausing en route to sample wine at a

renowned local vineyard. Arrive in Berat and

stay at Hotel Onufri for 2 nights. (B)

184


REGION

Butrint, Albania

Day 6: Berat

After breakfast, explore Berat – another

UNESCO-listed town – where you visit the

Onufri Museum and the town castle. Berat

castle is of particular interest as people still

live within its walls in traditional houses. In the

afternoon, meet a local family and learn how

to prepare raki – a strong spirit made using

twice-distilled grapes – as well as traditional

coffee. (B)

Day 7: Prizren, Kosovo

Depart Berat and travel north across Albania’s

northeastern border to Prizren, the historic

and cultural capital of Kosovo. On arrival,

explore the cobbled Ottoman streets lined with

local artisans as well as the 17th-century Sinan

Pasha Mosque and 16th-century Stone Bridge.

Overnight at Hotel Kacinari. (B)

Day 8: Prizren • Pristina

Begin the Day with a visit to Gracanica

Monastery and admire its elaborate

Byzantine frescoes. Continue to a monument

commemorating the Battle of Kosovo, fought

in 1389 by the forces of the Prince of the Serbs

and those of the Ottoman Sultan. Embark on a

tour of Pristina, including both the modern city

and the historic Ottoman district, which dates

from the 14th century. In the evening, return to

Prizren. (B)

Day 9: Kruja, Albania

Depart Prizren and return to Albania, travelling

to Kruja. This town was the centre of Albanian

resistance to Ottoman rule, led by local feudal

lord, Skanderbeg. Enjoy an afternoon tour of

Kruja’s highlights including the Skanderbeg

Museum and the historic Bazaar. Overnight at

Hotel Panorama and enjoy a farewell dinner.

(B, D)

TOUR EXTENSIONS

Tour + Montenegro


Situated between Croatia and Albania,

Montenegro is home to some of the Adriatic’s

most picturesque scenery, with coastal

fjords and walled medieval towns. Stay 2

nights in the coastal resort of Budva and

take an optional visit to the UNESCO-listed

town of Kotor.

Day 9: Budva

Travel from Kruja to Budva in Montenegro

and stay 2 nights at the Grand Avala Hotel (or

similar). (B)

Day 10: Tour Budva & Kotor

This morning, tour Budva, including its attractive


Group tour








old town, before an afternoon excursion to

the UNESCO-listed town of Kotor, one of the

best-preserved medieval cities on the Adriatic.

View the ancient city walls, the Cathedral of

St Tryphon and Church of St Nicholas. (B)


Following a morning at leisure, transfer to

Dubrovnik airport and fly to London with









Private tour












Tour code: ALE

Day 10: Kruja • London

Transfer from Kruja to Tirana Airport for

your flight to London or proceed to Budva in

Montenegro to begin your extension. (B)

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31 May 24 09 Jun 24

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185

Africa


Welcome to where lions and nomads roam. Africa is a vast tapestry of landscapes – a

continent of sweeping savannas and golden shores; cosmopolitan cities and tribal villages;

some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife, and some of its most celebrated wine.

Where does one begin to explore such a large and beguiling continent?

The first step is deciding what draws you here. Are you seeking adventure or luxury, culture

or nature, the highlights or the hidden gems – or a little of everything? Our Africa experts can

guide you in the right direction, ensuring your journey to this irresistible destination inspires

many more.

Discover Africa

188 Madagascar

192 South Africa

196 Namibia

198 Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda

204 Zimbabwe & Botswana


190 Madagascar Wildlife Adventure

194 Highlights of South Africa

200 Highlights of Kenya

202 Ultimate Tour: In the Footsteps of the Great Migration

Tours featured on the website

Ethiopian Odyssey









Image left: Ring-tailed lemur, Madagascar, as seen on ‘Madagascar Wildlife Adventure’ tour, p. 190

187

AFRICA • MADAGASCAR

Discover Madagascar

Geographically isolated some 70 million

years ago, Madagascar is a lost world of

fauna and flora dating back to the era of

the dinosaur. Earth’s fourth largest island is

home to 18 tribal cultures, five contrasting

regions and hundreds of endemic species.

As you explore from desert to spiny

rainforest to palm-fringed beach, you

can expect to spot some of Madagascar's

100 species of lemur and 120 endemic

bird species, as well as the likes of the

technicoloured panther chameleon and

the silky sifaka. In fact, everywhere you

look in this naturalist’s wonderland,

there is something at which to marvel.

Antananarivo

Colourful capital city • Sacred Ambohimanga

Palace

Forget any negative preconceptions about

capital cities on mainland Africa. Antananarivo

(known locally as Tana) offers a bustling

blend of Afro-Asian culture and a friendly

atmosphere that makes the city a must on any

itinerary. The Rova (royal fort) sits atop the

highest point, while below, jumbles of houses

cover the steep slopes and mazes of narrow

alleys and stairs crisscross the town.

The Mahandrihono palace and royal tombs, Ambohimanga

For an insight into Malagasy life past and

present, visit the Ambohimanga Palace, the

burial site of former kings and queens, as well

as the lively markets and craft stores. You can

also enjoy a fun, informal lesson in traditional

Malagasy cooking at the Tana Kitchen.

Andasibe-Mantadia

National Park

Home to indri lemurs • Untouched primary

rainforest in Mantadia

A scenic drive east from Antananarivo, the

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is split into

two separate forested reserves: Analamazoatra

and Mantadia. Analamazoatra is a small

rainforest where the star attractions are the

11 lemur species, the best known being the

indri. There are more than 100 bird species

and many reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.

Mantadia’s primary rainforest is magical.

Walking in the area can be strenuous and,

due to the forest’s size, spotting lemurs is

not guaranteed. However, this forest offers

excellent bird and reptile viewing, and serenity

not always found in its smaller sister reserve.

Indri lemur, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

188


Isalo National Park

Deep canyons & magical waterfalls •

Elephant’s foot bloom in September & October

One of Madagascar's prettiest parks, Isalo

encompasses a huge sandstone massif

interspersed with canyons, tapia forest,

waterfalls and natural springs. Wildlife

densities may be lower than in other parks,

but both ring-tailed and red-fronted lemurs

are often seen. There are 80 bird species (50

endemic) and more than 500 plant species –

including elephant’s foot, whose austral-spring

bloom creates a sea of yellow. The dry climate

ensures suitable conditions for walking year

round, and trails cater for all abilities.

Isalo National Park

Ranomafana National Park

Beautiful montane rainforest • Home to rare

golden bamboo & greater bamboo lemurs

Ifotaka Community Forest

Lemur spotting in rare gallery & spiny forest •

Fascinating Antandroy tribal culture

Golden bamboo lemur, Ranomafana National Park

Established in 1991, Ranomafana has quickly

become a popular destination for wildlife

viewing on foot. Steep slopes and elevations

ranging between 600 and 1,400 metres allow

for different forest types, from lowland to

cloud. There are 12 lemur species in total here,

the best known being the golden, greater and

lesser eastern bamboo lemurs. Ranomafana

is also noted for its 118 bird species, of which

36 are endemic. Amongst them are Henst’s

goshawks, rufous-headed ground-rollers,

velvet asities and the crested ibis.

The Ifotaka Community Forest is a reserve

managed by the local Antandroy people.

Wildlife activities range from spotting ringtailed

lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas in the

deciduous gallery forests, to searching for

white-footed sportive and mouse lemurs

by night in the unique spiny forest. Cultural

activities, focused on the Antandroy tribe, are

exceptional. Spend a morning at the buzzing

and authentic local market, or take a walk with

an Antandroy guide into the sacred forests to

find huge, individually decorated tombs.

Traditional Antandroy tribal tomb

Kirindy Private Reserve

Best place to see fossas • Home to Madame

Berthe’s mouse lemurs

The Fossa, Madagascar’s largest native carnivore

Kirindy’s dry deciduous forest is home to some

extraordinary wildlife, not least the elusive

fossa, a nocturnal feline that is the only natural

hunter of Madagascar’s lemurs. The best time

to find them is at night during their mating

season (October to December). Madame

Berthe’s lemurs are one of eight lemur species

that can be found in the park and are the

smallest primates in the world. Giant jumping

rats – kangaroo-like rodents – are another

rarity. Kirindy is best visited between October

and January when rain-quenched vegetation

draws animals out of hibernation.


189

AFRICA • MADAGASCAR

Madagascar

Wildlife Adventure







Small group size – average 8 people

(max 16)



upgrades available


vehicles



13 dinners

Welcome & farewell dinners


fees included

Hotel porterage included

Weather

Antananarivo

Ifaty


A 26 26 25 25 23 20 20 20 23 25 26 26

B 16 16 16 15 12 10 10 10 11 13 15 16

C 279 260 201 61 27 14 19 20 15 69 171 310


A 32 32 32 30 28 27 26 28 28 29 30 31

B 23 23 22 20 17 15 14 15 16 19 20 22

C 108 99 40 17 15 12 5 4 7 12 22 104




Avenue of baobab trees

Much of Madagascar’s exotic flora and

fauna is found nowhere else on Earth.

This tour offers an opportunity to discover

the island’s extraordinary wildlife, natural

history, stunning scenery, idyllic beaches and

fascinating culture, which is based on a mix

of Christianity and ancient spiritual beliefs.

Your itinerary is well paced, allowing for a

wildlife focus in Andasibe, Ranomafana and

Isalo National Parks.


Walk in Maromizaha primary rainforest

Traditional sunset music performance

in Isalo National Park

Special ‘chef’s dinner’ in Antananarivo

Evening walks in search of nocturnal

species

Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo via Addis Ababa

Take an overnight flight from London (regional

connections available) to Antananarivo, via

Addis Ababa. (N)

Day 2: Andasibe • Analamazaotra Reserve

Arrive early this afternoon and transfer to

the Vakona Forest Lodge for 3 nights. After

welcome drinks and dinner, take a night walk

to Analamazaotra Reserve. Here you may spot

nocturnal species, including mouse, greater

dwarf and eastern woolly lemurs. (D)

Day 3: Andasibe • Vakona Private Reserve •

Analamazaotra Reserve

Enjoy a morning walk in Andasibe, returning

to the lodge for lunch. Visit Lemur Island in

Vakona Private Reserve, an island sanctuary

for lemurs, ahead of an afternoon walk in

Andasibe. After dinner, embark on a night

walk to the Analamazaotra Reserve.

(B, L, D)

Day 4: Maromizaha Reserve (or Mitsinjo

forest)

Spend the day walking through the primary

forest of Maromizaha Reserve. This lush setting

is home to the black-and-white ruffed lemur,

the diademed sifaka, Parson’s chameleon and

a wide variety of frogs. Alternatively, for a less

strenuous option, walk in Mitsinjo Reserve and

plant an endemic tree as part of the area’s

reforestation project. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Antananarivo

Drive back to Antananarivo for an afternoon

city tour, including the hills of the royal palaces

and the botanical and zoological garden of

Tsimbazaza. Enjoy a special chef’s dinner in the

evening. Overnight at Palissandre Hotel & Spa.

(B, L, D)

Day 6: Antsahabe • Antsirabe

Drive to Antsahabe, a village typical of the

Merina tribe. After lunch, continue to the

spa town of Antsirabe for an afternoon

tour. Antsirabe is a centre of the gem trade

and home to hundreds of pousse-pousse

(rickshaws), a legacy of Chinese labour

imported to work on the railways. Overnight

at Couleur Cafe Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Ambositra • Ranomafana

Continue south to Ambositra, known as

Madagascar’s handicraft and wood-carving

capital. Following a typical Malagasy lunch

accompanied by folklore entertainment,

continue to Ranomafana. In the evening,

walk in search of nocturnal species. Spend

3 nights at the Hotel Thermal. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Ranomafana

During your morning walk in Ranomafana

National Park, see if you can spot the three

resident species of bamboo lemur: the grey,

the golden and the greater. Endemic birding

in the park is also excellent. This afternoon,

visit Tanala village. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Ranomafana

Enjoy a morning walk in the national park,

before an afternoon visit to the Ranomafana

Arboretum, home to hundreds of rare tree

species. This evening, search for nocturnal

species during an evening walk.

(B, L, D)

190


REGION

Greater bamboo lemur, Ranomafana

Day 10: Fianarantsoa • Ambalavao •

Ranohira

This morning, drive via Fianarantsoa, the

Betsileo tribe’s capital, to the vineyard of

Lazan’ny Betsileo. Continue to Ambalavao.

Visit the Antemoro paper factory and the

Anja Reserve, where ring-tailed lemurs are

often spotted. Continue to Ranohira and stay

3 nights at Relais de la Reine.

(B, L, D)

Days 11 & 12: Isalo National Park

Spend the next 2 days exploring the

spectacular sandstone landscapes of Isalo

National Park. Seek out flora and fauna

including ring-tailed lemurs, Malagasy

hoopoes, Verreaux's sifakas and the elephant's

foot plant, and enjoy a traditional music

performance as the sun sets. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park

• Ifaty

Continue towards the west coast. Stop en

route at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. It

may be possible to spot Appert’s tetrakas, one

of the most endangered endemic birds on the

island. The region is known for its large baobab

trees and traditional family tombs, central to

Malagasy culture. Transfer to Ifaty, a quiet

coastal fishing village boasting a long beach,

for your evening farewell dinner. Overnight at

Les Dunes d’Ifaty. (B, D)

flight to the UK via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,

arriving the following day. (B) (N)




Group tour manager: This tour is fully

escorted by a local tour manager from arrival

in Antananarivo to Day 13 in Toliara.


Group tour




Ethiopian Airlines flight upgrades


Discovery tour: This tour is best suited to

the hardier traveller as it includes non-luxury

accommodation, long and rough road journeys

and more strenuous activities. Please visit this

tour on our website to see details of the

hotels included.







Private travel










Tour code: MWA

Day 14: Fly to Antananarivo

Spend your morning at leisure. Late this

afternoon, fly from Toliara to Antananarivo.

Overnight at Palissandre Hotel & Spa. (B, L, D)

Out Rtn

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09 Nov 24 24 Nov 24

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02 Aug 25 17 Aug 25

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08 Nov 25 23 Nov 25

Days 15 & 16: Fly to the UK via Addis Ababa

After a morning at leisure, take an afternoon




191

AFRICA • SOUTH AFRICA

Discover South Africa

The natural beauty and cultural diversity

of South Africa often surprises visitors.

The Cape Provinces in particular offer rich

cultural delights with their combination of

Cape Malay cuisine and world-class vintages

from the vineyards of the Winelands.

Wildlife abounds, with superb opportunities

for both land- and water-based whale

watching, along with self-drive or guided

‘Big Five’ safaris. For dramatic scenery and

diamond-rush history, the Northern Cape

should not be missed. Alternatively, head up

the less-travelled west coast to Paternoster

and the Cedarberg mountains to explore

ancient Bushman rock art.

IMAGE

Cape Town

One of Africa's most liveable cities • Table

Mountain views • Robben Island, Nelson

Mandela’s former prison

The Cape Winelands

World-renowned wine estates • Epicurean

delights • Picturesque mountain scenery

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Table Mountain, Cape Town

Cosmopolitan, relaxed and with a comfortable

Mediterranean climate, Cape Town is

sandwiched between Table Mountain and the

Atlantic Ocean, giving it one of the world’s most

recognised city locations. It offers a captivating

mix of modern living and old-world charm.

Take a guided walking tour to discover the

city’s street food, antique shops, art galleries

and heritage buildings. Join a boat trip to

UNESCO-listed Robben Island, home to Nelson

Mandela during his time as a political prisoner.

Wander around the vibrant Victoria & Alfred

Waterfront. Other excursions available to our

guests delve deeper into South Africa’s political

past and engage with the local communities.

Affuent Constantia Valley, now within Cape

Town’s suburbs, is South Africa’s oldest winemaking

area, but a little further afield you

will find the undulating valleys and towering

mountains of the Cape Winelands. Popular

destinations within this viticultural epicentre

include the university town of Stellenbosch, the

French Huguenot village of Franschhoek and

the Cape Dutch estates of Paarl. Here, you can

sample celebrated local wines, have lunch at a

vineyard or arrange to picnic beside one of the

pretty streams and lakes. For a whistle-stop

tour of several wineries, choose a scenic cycle

ride or board the hop-on, hop-off Franschhoek

Wine Tram.

Stellenbosch

192


Experiences in

South Africa

The Garden Route

Knysna

The Eastern Cape

Elephants, Addo Elephant Park

IMAGE

Excellent marine wildlife • Quaint towns &

local culture • Wildly beautiful Tsitsikamma

National Park

A journey along the Garden Route is an easy

way to elevate your visit to South Africa. You

can explore by car or guided tour, travelling

east to west or vice versa. Beautified by

endemic Cape flora and fauna, the area is

known for its small owner-run guesthouses

and unique farms. Visit Oudtshoorn where you

can tour the dramatic Cango Cave, or continue

further east to the small seaside town of

Knysna which overlooks a picturesque lagoon.

Plettenberg Bay offers long stretches of hidden

beaches and, close by, the quaint hamlet of

Stormsriver at the feet of the Outeniqua and

Tsitsikamma mountains. For wildlife viewing,

there are a number of reserves dotted along

the journey, but a logical extension to the

Garden Route is the Eastern Cape – a short

drive from Port Elizabeth.

Excellent malaria-free wildlife reserves •

Community conservation enterprises •

Wild coastline

An ideal place to begin or end a Garden Route

itinerary, the Eastern Cape has some excellent

private wildlife reserves and a striking

coastline where great white sharks and

southern right whales may be seen. The

region’s vast plains, reduced to marginal land

during the time of the settler farmers, has now

been rehabilitated to support a huge variety

of wildlife, and Addo Elephant Park has one of

the most concentrated elephant populations in

Africa. Just an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth

and malaria-free, the private reserves in this

region are ideal for family travel. Activities

range from safari drives, bush walks and

alfresco dining to river cruises, canoeing and

beach strolls. Accommodation options range

from basic chalets to luxury lodges and tented

safari suites.

Summitting Table Mountain |

Cape Town

A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without

experiencing the many vantage points of

Table Mountain. This iconic flat-topped

landmark forms a dramatic backdrop to

the city. Hike the trails or take a relaxing

cable-car ride to the top (weather

permitting) for panoramic views over the

rooftops to the Atlantic beyond.

Whale watching from the

wild coast | Garden Route

Depending on the season, those

journeying along the famous Garden Route

may be lucky enough to spot all

of southern Africa’s ‘Marine Big Five’.

Take to the water to view whales, sharks,

dolphins, seals and penguins, or stop

by Hermanus – renowned as a whale

watching hot spot – and meet the famous

‘whale crier’.

KwaZulu-Natal

Zulu tribesman

The North

Lion and cub, Kruger National Park

Sub-tropical coastline • Rich cultural heritage

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites & historic

battlefields

Forming much of South Africa’s sub-tropical

east coast, KwaZulu-Natal features unspoilt

Indian Ocean beaches, underrated wildlife

areas, magnificent mountain scenery and

the rich cultural traditions of the Zulu

people. Known as the 'Garden Province',

it is home to two UNESCO World Heritage

Sites – the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and

the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park – and

numerous Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu

battlefields. Both Eswatini (Swaziland) and

Lesotho are easily combined with KwaZulu-

Natal, offering their own spectacular

landscapes and traditional ways of life.

Renowned for wildlife • Exceptional

bird watching • Sleep-out experiences in

the bush

In South Africa’s north lies the nation’s

flagship wildlife area: Kruger National Park,

one of the largest reserves on the continent.

Home to hundreds of mammal, bird, reptile,

amphibian and plant species, its unfenced

boundaries border some of Africa’s finest

private wildlife reserves, including Sabi Sands,

Timbavati and Manyeleti. Alternatively, the

less-visited Waterberg occupies 1,500 sq

km north of Johannesburg and comprises

craggy mountains, sweeping grasslands and

spectacular rock formations. Then there is

the 750-sq-km, malaria-free Madikwe Game

Reserve, which borders Botswana and is one of

the best places to spot African wild dogs.

Safaris in support of conservation |

Eastern Cape & the north

South Africa offers nature enthusiasts

a trove of protected wildlife habitats for

safari expeditions, especially in the north

and southeast. Track animals into the

bush alongside an expert ranger, lend

a hand to non-profit conservation

organisations, and round off your safari

with a sundowner – the perfect pairing for

romantic savanna views.


193

AFRICA • SOUTH AFRICA

Highlights of

South Africa








upgrades available


people (max 16)





8 dinners

Welcome drink to meet the group

& guide


for national parks, conservancies &

safari reserves included

2 full days on safari in a ‘Big Five’

wildlife reserve

6 included safaris

Included tours – Cape Peninsula &

Private wine tasting safari

Hotel porterage included

Weather

Cape Town


A 25 25 24 22 19 17 17 17 18 20 22 24

B 15 15 14 12 10 8 8 8 9 10 12 14

C 32 31 43 82 136 189 164 163 96 61 40 43




Cape Winelands

This escorted group tour blends a selection of

South Africa’s quintessential experiences into

a well-paced itinerary for lovers of wildlife,

walks, wine and sensational scenery. Go on

safari, ascend Table Mountain, tour Wineland

vineyards and more with an average group

size of just 10 people.


3 nights in a private safari reserve

handpicked by Cox & Kings

Experience the famous Knysna lagoon

by historic boat

Full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula

Tour world-class vineyards on a private

wine-tasting ‘safari’

Day 1: Fly to Port Elizabeth via

Johannesburg


connections available) to Port Elizabeth via

Johannesburg. (N)

Day 2: Port Elizabeth • Kariega Game Reserve

Arrive in Port Elizabeth and transfer to the

Kariega Game Reserve. After lunch, join a

late-afternoon safari drive within the reserve,

rounded off with sundowners. Spend 3 nights

at the The Homestead, River Lodge or Ukhozi

Lodge. (L, D)

Days 3 & 4: Kariega Game Reserve

Board specialist safari vehicles for morning

and late-afternoon safari drives in a ‘Big Five’

wildlife reserve. Cheetahs, giraffes, zebras,

wildebeests and an assortment of antelope

species also roam these lands. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Tsitsikamma & Knysna

After an early morning wildlife drive, head to

the Tsitsikamma National Park. Here you

can take a scenic walk and cross the

suspension bridge that spans the gorge at the

Storms River mouth. Then continue west to

the coastal town of Knysna. Stay 3 nights at

Knysna Hollow. (B, D)

Days 6 & 7: Knysna

Cruise across a stunning lagoon to the Knysna

Heads aboard the John Benn, a classic boat

named after a legendary harbour pilot. Then

enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Featherbed

Nature Reserve. The next day is at leisure to

relax or join an optional excursion. (B)

Day 8: Oudtshoorn

Drive to Oudtshoorn, known as the 'ostrich

capital of the world’. Take a guided tour of the

Cango Caves, one of Africa’s most spectacular

natural rock formations. Its vast network of

tunnels and chambers, which extends for

over 4km, is adorned with delicate stalagmites

and stalactites. Then enjoy lunch and an

informative excursion to a working ostrich

farm, where you will come face to face with the

world’s largest birds. Overnight at De Zeekoe.

(B, L, D)

Day 9: Cape Winelands

Head out on an optional early morning

meerkat adventure, meeting rescued meerkats

accompanied by an expert guide (£30pp).

Then continue along the scenic Route 62.

Stop at the quirky town of Barrydale for lunch

(payable locally). Stay 2 nights in the Winelands

at Le Franschhoek. (B, D)

Day 10: Cape Winelands

Spend a full day touring the Cape Winelands.

Drive through mountain ranges, vineyards and

Cape Dutch homesteads between the golden

triangle of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and

Paarl. Then join a 4x4 wine-tasting safari at

Warwick Wine Estate, sampling ‘Big Five’ grape

varieties. (B, L)

Day 11: Cape Winelands & Cape Town

Take a guided morning walk around

Stellenbosch, including a visit to the village

museum charting the history of the region.

Transfer to Cape Town for an afternoon to

explore the bustling V&A waterfront, followed

by dinner at a local home in the Bo-Kaap

neighbourhood, tasting authentic Cape Malay

cuisine. Stay 2 nights at Cape Town Hollow.

(B, D)

194


Table Mountain, Cape Town

Kariega Game Reserve

This private malaria-free game reserve is

home to the famous ‘Big Five’, as well as

hippo, giraffe, zebra and an array of other

animals. Kariega’s expert rangers take

guests on drives in open safari vehicles,

granting you unimpeded views of the

wildlife and surrounds. Other activities

available include guided bush walks,

canoeing, fishing, and cruises to spot

wildlife along the Kariega or Bushman’s

River. Dependent on your departure

date, accommodation will be at either

The Homestead, River Lodge or Ukhozi

Lodge. All lodges feature en-suite chalets,

air-conditioning, a swimming pool, and

local drinks – included as part of the

full-board basis.

Day 12: Cape Town

Full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, including

an Atlantic seaboard drive past fishing villages

and the seaside suburbs of Camps Bay and

Hout Bay, finishing at Cape Point. Return via

the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. This evening,

enjoy a farewell dinner at a stylish local

restaurant. (B, D)

Days 13 & 14: Cape Town • Fly to the UK

Begin your final morning in spectacular

fashion: ascending Table Mountain via cable

car (weather permitting; excursion may take

place on Day 11). Transfer to the airport for

your overnight flight home, or extend your

journey – perhaps with a visit to Victoria Falls

or a beach stay in Mauritius. (B, N)





Group tour




Guide price month: Oct & Nov








Private travel




Guide price month: Oct & Nov


Tour code: HZA






February-March departures may allow guests

to experience the famous harvest season in

the Cape Winelands.

Tour standards: Superior tour departures

are based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.

Prices are based on the standard room / cabin

category.





Out Rtn

25 Jan 24 07 Feb 24

08 Feb 24 21 Feb 24

07 Mar 24 20 Mar 24

22 Aug 24 04 Sep 24

05 Sep 24 18 Sep 24

Out Rtn

03 Oct 24 16 Oct 24

31 Oct 24 13 Nov 24

21 Nov 24 04 Dec 24

Out Rtn

23 Jan 25 05 Feb 25

06 Feb 25 19 Feb 25

05 Mar 25 18 Mar 25

02 Apr 25 15 Apr 25

20 Aug 25 02 Sep 25

Out Rtn

03 Sep 25 16 Sep 25

01 Oct 25 14 Oct 25

29 Oct 25 11 Nov 25

19 Nov 25 02 Dec 25




195

AFRICA • NAMIBIA

Discover Namibia

One of the world’s least densely populated

countries, Namibia contains the world’s

most ancient desert, highest dunes and

second largest canyon. It is ruggedly

beautiful, with ever-changing colours and

fascinating indigenous San and Himba

culture. Around 44 per cent of Namibia is

under conservation and, as a result, there is

a unique range of wildlife to see.

The most popular way to get around is by

road, either with a private driver-guide or on

a self-drive basis – a liberating, flexible and

cost-effective way to explore. If you prefer

the ease of travelling by air, consider a flysafari

by light aircraft. The aerial views over

Namibia are breathtaking.

Namib Naukluft

National Park

Stunning sunsets over Sossusvlei’s sand

dunes • Hot-air balloon flight over the desert

The Namib-Naukluft Park is home to Sossusvlei,

the giant red dunes for which Namibia is best

known. The area is a photographer’s paradise

and is easy to reach in your own hire car.

Alternatively, all the park’s lodges offer a range

of guided excursions, including an outstanding

half-day trip to the dunes.

Etosha

Explore the park on self-drives • Waterholes

that attract large groups of wildlife

Oryx antelope, Sossusvlei

We recommend staying in one of the private

Kulala Wilderness Reserve lodges. These lodges

have their own private gates to the park.

Guided horse rides lasting several days can be

booked from Desert Homestead Lodge and

Desert Homestead Outpost.

Etosha, meaning ‘great white place’, is

mostly covered by a silvery-white chalk that

shimmers in the heat, referred to as the

Etosha Pan. Waterholes and natural springs

dot the southern edge of the pan and act as a

magnet for large herds of animals, especially

during the dry season. Large family groups of

elephants, giraffes, kudu, gemsbok, springbok,

zebras, impala and eland are common, as are

good numbers of lions, leopards and cheetahs.

The black and white rhino may also be seen.

To explore Etosha you can either self-drive

from camps inside the park or enjoy both selfdrive

and guided trips from one of the private

reserves outside the park gates.

Lions, Etosha National Park

196


Damaraland

Twyfelfontein rock art site • Rare desert

elephants

Experiences in

Namibia

Now part of the Kunene region, Damaraland is

the historical home of the Damara people. This

rugged landscape is home to elusive desertadapted

elephants and black rhinos, as well as

huge granite boulders adorned by a wealth of

Bushman rock art.

Skeleton Coast

Ancient rock art, Twyfelfontein

Rugged coastline & shipwrecks • Visit a

Himba village

There are a number of interesting geological

sites worth a visit, including the Petrified

Forest, where tree trunks have turned to stone

over millions of years; Burnt Mountain, formed

from solidified lava flow; and the nearby Organ

Pipes, a series of striking basalt columns rising

out of the desert.

For an adventure, try a two- or three-night

mobile camping safari in the breathtaking

Palmwag Concession area. Stay in dome

tents and dine alfresco under the stars.

Walvis catamaran cruise

Search for Namibia’s ‘Marine Big Five’

– whales, dolphins, mola mola (ocean

sunfish), leatherback turtles and seals – on

a cruise past the oil rigs and ships of Walvis

Bay out to the lighthouse at Pelican Point.

Fresh oysters, sparkling wine or tea and

coffee are served.

Namibia’s remote north-west contains some

of the most dramatic scenery in the country,

including the Skeleton Coast National Park.

Called ‘the land made in anger’ by the

indigenous San people, this 16,000-squarekilometre

wilderness is strewn with desertbound

shipwrecks. The southern section of

this stark coastline can be driven along, while

the more remote, northern quarters can be

admired on a flying safari.

We recommend a four-night stay between

Shipwreck Lodge and Hoanib Valley Camp,

where you can explore shipwrecks, rock

formations and rare desert wildlife. You can

learn about the conservation efforts to protect

the desert-adapted giraffe, and interact with

the semi-nomadic Himba people, known for

their distinctive dress and traditional crafts.

The Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Tracking black rhinos on foot

In the Palmwag Concession, conservation

of the black rhino has been made a

priority. Using the Desert Rhino Camp as a

base, it is possible to spend time tracking

black rhinos accompanied by experts from

the Save the Rhino Trust. If found, the

rhino is likely to be wandering alone in his

territory, foraging for food.

Suggested itinerary

Namibia Classic Self-Drive

15 days & 14 nights



This popular self-drive itinerary is a flexible,

cost-effective way to discover the best that

Namibia has to offer. Visit the giant red

dunes of Sossusvlei, the adventure town of

Swakopmund, impressive granite landscapes

in Damaraland, and Etosha National Park,

which promises extraordinary self-drive

safaris to see its many resident big cats.

Day 1: Fly to Windhoek

On arrival in Windhoek, you will be met and

assisted with collection of your hire car.

Overnight at The Elegant Guesthouse. (N)

Day 2: Gamsberg

Transfer to Corona Guest House, set at the

foot of the majestic Gamsberg Mountain. (B, D)

Days 3 & 4: Sossusvlei

Explore Sossusvlei, home to some of the

world’s largest sand dunes. Stay 2 nights at

Desert Homestead Lodge. (B,D)

Days 5 & 6: Swakopmund

Head to the Germanic town of Swakopmund,

gateway to the Skelton Coast. Enjoy a

catamaran cruise the following day. Stay 2

nights at Cornerstone Guesthouse. (B)

Days 7 & 8: Twyfelfontein

Travel to the wildlife-rich region of

Damaraland, also home to Africa’s largest

concentration of ancient rock art. Stay 2

nights at Camp Kipwe. (B, L, D)

Days 9-12: Etosha National Park

Spend the next 4 days exploring one of

Africa’s largest national parks. Stay 2 nights

at Okaukuejo Rest Camp and 2 nights at

Onguma Bush Camp. (B)

Days 13-14: Okonjima Nature Reserve

Travel to Okonjima Nature Reserve, home to

the AfriCAT carnivore sanctuary. Stay 2 nights

at Okonjima Plains Camp.

Day 15: Fly home

Transfer to Windhoek airport and fly home. (B)

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5008



197

AFRICA • TANZANIA, KENYA & UGANDA

Discover Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda

Tanzania’s vibrant landscapes are a

photographer’s dream, from snow-capped

Kilimanjaro to exotic Zanzibar, via the

plains of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro

Crater. Visitors can witness dramatic

wildlife spectacles such as the annual Great

Wildebeest Migration. Neighbouring Kenya

is home to wide-open spaces, impressive

mountain ranges, deep lakes and golden

beaches. Here, too, are the fascinating

pastoralist cultures of the Masai and

Samburu. This is the birthplace of safari,

and the country’s 23 national parks offer

exceptional wildlife viewing. To the north

lies biodiversity haven Uganda, home to

chimpanzees, some 1,000 species of bird

and over half of the world’s mountain

gorilla population.

IMAGE

The Northern Safari Circuit

World-class circuit of safari parks • Location

of the Great Wildebeest Migration • UNESCOlisted

Ngorongoro Crater

Laikipia Plateau

Rugged, untamed landscapes • Authentic

cultural interactions • Impressive

conservation enterprises

Ngorongoro Crater

The national parks of Tarangire, Lake Manyara,

Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti form the

Northern Safari Circuit, one of Africa’s most

impressive wildlife areas. Tarangire particularly

comes to life in the dry season, when its central

river becomes a magnet to large animals,

including elephants. Lake Manyara contains a

beautiful soda lake and an exceptional variety

of wildlife, including elusive tree-climbing

lions. The vast Ngorongoro Crater is home to

one of the world’s greatest concentrations of

wildlife and presents dramatic views from its

vertiginous rim. The Serengeti is known for

its expansive savanna, perennially excellent

wildlife and the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Laikipia is a beautiful region that stretches

from the foothills of Mount Kenya to the

shoreline of Lake Baringo. The area covers a

wide range of landscapes and has become

a sanctuary for elephants, lions, leopards,

buffaloes and a wealth of plains wildlife.

The safari lodges in Laikipia are among the

most opulent in Kenya, and the involvement

of local Samburu and Masai communities

allows visitors a rare opportunity to meet local

people. The large conservancy of Lewa and

Ol Pejeta is excellent for those interested in

wildlife conservation and learning about the

vital work of communities to protect

their environment.

Giraffe, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

198


Masai Mara

National Reserve

Wildebeest migration, Masai Mara

Great Wildebeest Migration • Authentic open

savannas a la The Lion King • As seen in

Out of Africa

The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most celebrated

reserve, made famous by the film Out of Africa

and featured in the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries. All

of the ‘Big Five’ can be found here, as well as

hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, bat-eared foxes

and distinctive Masai giraffes. Hippos and

crocodiles are present in large numbers in

the Mara and Talek rivers and a wide range

of antelopes abound, including Thomson’s

gazelle, topi and eland. The Mara ecosystem

itself is growing as new wildlife conservancies

emerge on the edge of the reserve, offering

further protection to the animals on their welltrodden

migration routes. These conservancies

also provide the opportunity to escape the

crowds, take night safari drives and go on

guided walks in areas where most tourists

cannot go.

Tree-climbing lion, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth

National Park

Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel • Home to

tree-climbing lions • See chimpanzees on

guided walks

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a diverse

ecosystem that includes sprawling savanna,

large volcanic craters, humid forests, sparkling

lakes and fertile wetlands. It is an ideal

habitat for classic safari wildlife, home to 10

primate species and over 600 species of bird.

Against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori

mountains, the Kazinga Channel is a highlight

of any visit, its banks lined with hippos, Nile

crocodiles, buffaloes, waterbuck, Ugandan kob

and elephants. In the far eastern corner of

the park is the rich, tropical Kyambura Gorge,

where visitors can go trekking for chimpanzees

and take guided nature walks to spot blackand-white

colobus monkeys, giant forest

hogs and red-tailed monkeys. Ishasha, in the

south-western part of the park, is known for its

tree-climbing lions.

Mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable

Forest National Park

Trek to see mountain gorillas • Local

philanthropic enterprises • Pygmy

village visits

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in south Uganda

is home to around 900 of Earth’s remaining

mountain gorillas. With 120 species of mammal

and 350 bird species, this habitat is one of

the oldest, most biologically diverse forests

in the world. Encountering wild mountain

gorillas is one of the most extraordinary

wildlife experiences possible. A guided gorilla

trek can take anything from 30 minutes to

eight hours, and – once you have found one

of the 12 habituated gorilla groups here – you

have an hour in their company. In addition to

mountain gorillas, the forest is alive with an

astonishing variety of bird species, including 23

Albertine Rift endemics, and diverse mammal

species including black-and-white colobus

monkeys, baboons and chimpanzees, as well

as elephants and antelope.

Experiences in Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda

Meet the locals| Kenya

Experience the cultures and traditions of

Kenya’s indigenous tribes with visits to

remote, authentic villages. Meet the Masai

of the south and the Sumburu of the north –

who have preserved their traditions,

pastoralist lifestyles and vibrant handicrafts

for millennia.

Ngorongoro safaris | Tanzania

Embark on a safari across the expansive floor

of the Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera

and UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as

a habitat to tens of thousands of large animals,

including buffaloes, black rhinos, wildebeest,

lions and spotted hyenas.

Witness gorillas in the mist | Uganda

Spend a magical hour in the company of

Uganda’s mighty mountain gorillas. A dozen

habituated groups reside deep in the dense

forests of Bwindi National Park, one of the last

refuges of this endangered primate. With the

guidance of experts, visitors can safely trek to

see them first-hand.


199

AFRICA • KENYA

Highlights of

Kenya








upgrades available


people (max 14)


Transfers in adapted land cruisers

with max 6 guests per vehicle,

guaranteed window seat & pop-up

roof for 360-degree wildlife views

Experienced local tour guide



to national parks, conservancies &

safari reserves included

10 included safaris

Walking Safari in Crescent Island

Game Sanctuary

Hippos and pelicans, Lake Naivasha

Weather

Nairobi


A 25 26 26 24 23 22 21 21 24 25 23 24

B 12 12 13 14 13 11 10 10 11 12 13 13

C 57 49 93 244 186 42 22 27 29 67 151 99




Kenya promises world-class safaris, dramatic

scenery and diverse cultures. This escorted

tour provides the perfect pace for exploring

both acclaimed and lesser-known national

parks, lakes and private concessions.


Wildlife viewing in private reserves

handpicked by Cox & Kings

Sip specialist Kenyan tea while learning

about conservationist Joy Adamson

Explore Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

on foot

Day 1: Fly to Nairobi


available) to Nairobi. Transfer to the Tamarind

Tree Hotel (or similar) for the night. (N)

Day 2: Aberdare National Park

Leave Nairobi for the Aberdare region, known

as the place where a young Queen Elizabeth

first learnt she had ascended to the throne.

Lunch at Aberdare Country Club, then proceed

to Aberdare National Park for wildlife viewing

en route to your lodge. One of the country’s

oldest reserves, this park safeguards rare

alpine forests featuring centuries-old cedars

and camphors. It is home to African elephants,

black rhinos, spotted hyenas, leopards,

colobus monkeys and many more creatures

worth spotting. Overnight at The Ark Lodge.

(B, L, D)

Days 3 & 4: Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Go on safari in Ol Pejeta, a pristine

‘Big Five’ conservation area home to a

variety of rare species, such as black and

white rhinos, African wild dogs and

Grevy’s zebras. Optional activities include

birdwatching, lion tracking, community tours,

and a visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Stay 2 nights at Sweetwaters Serena Camp.

(B, L, D)

Day 5: Lake Naivasha

Drive south of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift

Valley. After lunch, take a boat ride to enjoy

a walking safari in Crescent Island Game

Sanctuary. This evening, visit the Elsamere

Conservation Centre; the retirement home of

naturalist Joy Adamson. Enjoy an informative

video on Adamson, sample special Kenyan

teas, and explore the museum. Overnight at

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge. (B, L, D)

Days 6-8: Masai Mara

Transfer to the Masai Mara – Kenya’s most

famous wildlife reserve – for 3 days of safari

thrills. All of the ‘Big Five’ can be found here,

as well as hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, bat-eared

200


Waterhole, Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Sweetwaters Serena Camp,

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Located within “Big Five” Ol Pejeta

Conservancy, the Sweetwaters Serena Camp

offers 56 luxuriously appointed tents, each

with a thatched roof, an en suite bathroom

and a veranda or balcony with views of the

waterhole. The camp features a swimming

pool and Water Hole Bar with stunning views

of the abundant wildlife which surrounds the

camp. Activities include day and night wildlife

drives, bush walks in the company of a

resident naturalist, riverine birdwatching and

visits to the chimpanzee sanctuary. Thanks

to Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s private status it

is able to offer night game drives, an activity

not available in most national parks and

reserves in Kenya.

foxes, hippos, crocodiles, and Masai giraffes.

Admire prolific wildlife and sweeping views

alongside expert rangers. Stay 3 nights at the

Zebra Plains Mara Camp. (B, L, D)

Days 9 & 10: Depart Nairobi

Transfer by road to Nairobi and enjoy the use

of dayrooms at the Tamarind Tree Hotel. Your

afternoon is at leisure. This evening, fly home

via Jomo Kenyatta airport. (B)




Group tour









Private travel






Tour code: HKA




*

Wildebeest migration: Departure dates

marked with an asterisk are those offering

the best chance of seeing the wildebeest

migration. Wildlife movements vary and

sightings cannot be guaranteed.











Out Rtn

09 Feb 24 18 Feb 24

08 Mar 24 17 Mar 24

17 May 24 26 May 24

07 Jun 24 16 Jun 24

*

12 Jul 24 21 Jul 24

*

26 Jul 24 04 Aug 24

Out Rtn

*

09 Aug 24 18 Aug 24

*

27 Sep 24 06 Oct 24

*

11 Oct 24 20 Oct 24

15 Nov 24 24 Nov 24

Out Rtn

10 Jan 25 19 Jan 25

21 Feb 25 02 Mar 25

07 Mar 25 16 Mar 25

16 May 25 25 May 25

13 Jun 25 22 Jun 25

*

11 Jul 25 20 Jul 25

Out Rtn

*

25 Jul 25 03 Aug 25

*

08 Aug 25 17 Aug 25

*

26 Sep 25 05 Oct 25

*

10 Oct 25 19 Oct 25

14 Nov 25 23 Nov 25




201

AFRICA • TANZANIA & KENYA

Ultimate Tour: In the Footsteps

of the Great Migration








upgrades available

Small group size – average

10 people (max 18)


Transfers in adapted land cruisers

with max 6 guests per vehicle,

guaranteed window seat & pop-up

roof for 360-degree wildlife views

Scenic flights from Serengeti to

Masai Mara avoiding the long

road journey

11 breakfasts, 10 lunches

& 10 dinners

10 included safaris

Entrance fees to national parks,

conservancies & wildlife reserves

included

Boat trip on Lake Naivasha

Weather

Nairobi


A 25 26 26 24 23 22 21 21 24 25 23 24

B 12 12 13 14 13 11 10 10 11 12 13 13

C 57 49 93 244 186 42 22 27 29 67 151 99




Tanzania and Kenya share hosting duties

for one of nature’s greatest spectacles:

the annual Great Wildebeest Migration.

This group tour offers the chance to follow

the millions of migrating wildebeest,

zebras and antelope as they move from the

Serengeti to the Masai Mara. Enjoy authentic

cultural experiences and immersive wildlife

viewing in some of Africa’s greatest

national parks.


Admire the wildlife of celebrated

national parks including Amboseli,

Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, the

Serengeti and the Masai Mara

Enjoy the chance to witness the Great

Migration (timing dependent – please

see date guide for more information)

Activities away from the safari

vehicle include walks, boat trips

and a visit to Olduvai Gorge

Day 1: Fly to Nairobi


available) to Nairobi. Overnight at the

Sheraton Four Points (or similar). (N)

Day 2: Amboseli National Park

Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli National

Park by custom safari vehicle. Arrive for lunch

followed by wildlife watching activities, when

you may spot elephants silhouetted against the

backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Stay 2 nights

at Ol Tukal Lodge with its views of Kilimanjaro.

(B, L, D)

Wildebeest migration

Day 3: Amboseli National Park

Spend a full day in Amboseli embarking on

morning and afternoon safari drives that

showcase the park’s diversity of wildlife. Look

out for bush elephants, cape buffaloes, spotted

hyenas, lions, cheetahs and more. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Tarangire National Park

This morning, depart Amboseli and drive

approximately 2 hours to the Namanga border,

crossing into Tanzania. Enjoy lunch in Arusha

before continuing to Tarangire. Spend the rest

of the day at leisure. Overnight at Kirurumu

Tarangire (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 5: Ngorongoro highlands

Enjoy an early morning safari drive, before

proceeding for 3 hours to the Ngorongoro

highlands – arriving for leisure time and

dinner. Spend 2 nights at Pamoja Farm Lodge.

(B, L, D)

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater

Today, you visit one of Africa’s most dramatic

wildlife destinations: the UNESCO-listed

Ngorongoro Crater. Descend to the crater

floor in search of the ‘Big Five’, the forested

walls providing a photogenic backdrop. Travel

through the Lerai Forest looking for leopard

and onto the plains where wildebeests and

zebras graze whilst cheetahs and lions lie in

watch. Old elephants may pass your vehicle

as distant rhinos wander and hippos wade. A

picnic lunch maximises your time in the crater.

Return to your lodge late afternoon. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Serengeti National Park

Descend from the crater to the Serengeti’s vast

plains, host of the annual Great Wildebeest

Migration from October to July, as well as

numerous species year-round. The predator

concentration in the Serengeti is high, with

large prides of lion, many hyena clans, and

202


REGION

Elephants, Amboseli National Park

regular sightings of cheetahs and leopards.

Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and antelope

can be found grazing, as can less-known

species such as aardwolves, mongooses,

caracals, servals, and hyraxes. Spend 2 nights

at Pamoja Serengeti Camp. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Serengeti National Park

Spend your day exploring the extensive plains

of the Serengeti in search of the ‘Big Five’. If

you would like to maximise your time on safari,

take a picnic lunch with you into the park,

dining in the vast savanna before returning to

your lodge later in the day. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Fly to the Masai Mara

Transfer to the airstrip for a short scheduled

flight to Tarime, then transfer to Migori for

your flight to the world-famous Masai Mara

National Park. Arrive in the afternoon and

enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, with the

option of a safari drive. Stay 2 nights at Zebra

Plains Camp. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Masai Mara

Spend a full day in the Masai Mara on morning

and afternoon safari drives, with the option

of a hot-air balloon ride at extra cost. The

renowned Masai Mara reserve and its adjunct

concessions are home to prolific wildlife,

including the ‘Big Five’. Travel between July and

August and you may also witness the dramatic,

heart-in-your-mouth river crossings of the

Great Migration. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Lake Naivasha, Great Rift Valley

Transfer from the Masai Mara to Lake

Naivasha, arriving in this wildlife-rich area

of the Great Rift Valley This afternoon enjoy

a presentation on conservation pioneer Joy

Adamson, sample speciality teas and visit the

local museum. Overnight at Lake Naivasha

Simba Lodge. (B, L, D)

Days 12 & 13: Lake Naivasha • Fly to the UK

Morning at leisure. Optional activities include

walks and community visits. In the afternoon,

transfer to Jomo Kenyatta airport for your

outbound flight. Alternatively, extend your

journey with extra time to unwind on the

coast. (B)




Group tour















Out Rtn

05 Feb 24 17 Feb 24

01 Mar 24 13 Mar 24

21 Jun 24 03 Jul 24

05 Jul 24 17 Jul 24

Out Rtn

02 Aug 24 14 Aug 24

06 Sep 24 18 Sep 24

04 Oct 24 16 Oct 24


Wildebeest migration: This tour follows the

approximate route of the Great Migration.

However, the exact timing of the migration

varies, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.







Private travel






Out Rtn

03 Jan 25 15 Jan 25

07 Feb 25 19 Feb 25

07 Mar 25 19 Mar 25

06 Jun 25 18 Jun 25

Tour code: UGM

Out Rtn

04 Jul 25 16 Jul 25

01 Aug 25 13 Aug 25

05 Sep 25 17 Sep 25

03 Oct 25 15 Oct 25




203

AFRICA • ZIMBABWE & BOTSWANA

Discover Zimbabwe & Botswana

Zimbabwe’s history, culture and wildlife, not

to mention the magnificent Victoria Falls,

make it a showstopper of a destination. In

the west lies Hwange National Park, home

to one of the largest concentrations of

elephants in Africa. Lake Kariba, the world’s

biggest human-made lake, offers great

fishing and birding. History enthusiasts can

also marvel at Zimbabwe’s medieval-era

ruins, such as the city of Great Zimbabwe.

IMAGE

Neighbouring Botswana boasts a high

diversity of ecosystems, the most notable

being the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta.

About 40 per cent of the country’s land

comprises national parks and private

reserves, and – as most are unfenced –

wildlife roams freely, making Botswana one

of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

The Victoria Falls

Walk the Falls • Thrilling activities from land,

water and air • Historic hotels

Hwange National Park

Large elephant population • See the ‘Big Five’

• Authentic safari camps

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls forms the largest falling sheet

of water in the world. Every minute, up to

half a million tonnes of the Zambezi River

tumbles down into the deep gorges beneath.

Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning

‘The Smoke That Thunders’, the falls form

part of the border between Zambia and

Zimbabwe, with the Zimbabwean side

generally providing better views from its

network of rainforest trails. For those seeking

a different vantage point, the Falls offer unique

viewing experiences, from sunset cruises to

exhilarating light-aircraft flyovers. The historic

on-site town is a must, thanks to its vibrant

community and friendly service.

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest

wildlife reserve, containing vast tracts of

Kalahari sandveld where teak and mopane

woodlands are interspersed with salt pans

and grassy plains. Wildlife here is prolific and

population densities rank among the highest

in Africa. There are more than 100 mammal

species, including up to 30,000 elephants and

the endangered African wild dog – the Painted

Dog Conservation Project here has a visitor

centre and trail system that are well worth a

visit. Birding in Hwange is also excellent, with

the wet season (December to March) providing

excellent opportunities to see some of the 400

recorded species.

Herd of elephants, Hwange National Park

204


Chobe National Park

View elephants from the water • Remarkable

boating safaris • Impressive sunsets

Within easy reach of Victoria Falls, Chobe

– known as the ‘Land of the Giants’ – is

celebrated for its huge elephant population,

which is concentrated on the Chobe riverfront

in the dry season (May to October). The park is

also known for its large lion prides, especially

in the Savute area, as well as buffalo herds and

prolific birdlife. Perfect for slower adventures,

Chobe offers unusual experiences such as boat

safaris where guests can sip on a sundowner

while spotting animals from the water.

Boating safari, Chobe National Park

The Okavango Delta

Mokoro canoe safaris • Gain a bird’s eye view

from the air • Authentic tented bush camps

Moremi Game Reserve

Botswana’s prime big-cat location • Top safari

camps • Limited visitors

Mokoro safari, Okavango Delta

The UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta is

the world’s largest inland delta. From May

to October, its floodwaters are a magnet

for wildlife, including large populations of

otherwise-rare animals such as crocodiles,

sitatungas, elephants, red lechwe, African wild

dogs, buffaloes and wattled cranes. Activities

include day and night safari drives, bush

walks, seasonal mokoro canoe rides, fishing,

and birdwatching – a chance to spot some of

Botswana’s more than 570 bird species.

Moremi lies in the heart of the Okavango Delta,

encompassing almost 5,000 sq km of protected

wilderness. Unfenced and surrounded by

private concessions, it has a good variety of

habitats, from riverine and mopane forests to

open savannas and shallow lagoons. Wildlife

viewing in the reserve is exceptional, especially

on Chief’s Island, where a large density of big

cats – most notably lions and leopards – can

often be found. Moremi is home to some of

Botswana’s premier safari camps, elevating

the visitor experience.

Leopard, Moremi Game Reserve

Suggested itinerary

Highlights of Zimbabwe

& Botswana

11 days & 8 nights



Discover the highlights of Zimbabwe and

neighbouring Botswana on a tour revelling

in their respective cultures and natural

wonders. Marvel at Victoria Falls, go on

safari, and visit a remote village for insights

into rural life.

Day 1: Fly to Victoria Falls


connections available) to Victoria Falls,

Zimbabwe via Johannesburg, South Africa.

Stay at Ilala Lodge for 3 nights. (N)

Days 2-4: Victoria Falls

Visit a remote village for a window into daily

life and enjoy an authentic lunch at a local

institute. The following day, take a privately

guided tour of Victoria Falls. (B, L)

Days 5-7: Chobe National Park

Cross into Botswana and arrive at Chobe

National Park for a classic safari drive. Spend

the next 2 days taking advantage of the

myriad activities on offer here. Stay at Chobe

Safari Lodge for 3 nights (B, L, D).

Days 8 & 9: Okavango Delta

A short flight delivers you onto the banks

of the Okavango Delta in time for an

afternoon water safari. Spend the following

day exploring the delta. Should water levels

permit, cruise along the waters by mokoro

canoe. Stay at Mogotlho Safari Lodge for 2

nights. (B, L, D)

Days 10 & 11: Fly home

After a final morning safari drive, transfer

to Maun and fly home via Johannesburg. Or

extend your stay with an adventure in the

Kalahari Desert or a visit to Cape Town. (B)

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5008



205

INFORMATION

Terms and Conditions

Our full Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings

you make with us. These appear on our website at

www. coxandkings.co.uk/about-us/useful-information/

booking-conditions and can also be provided by post or

e-mail on request. Different terms will apply depending

on which country you are resident in. Due to space

constraints, the following Information contains only

some of the terms and conditions (which may also be

a summary) which apply to your booking. Before you

make your booking, you must read our full Terms and

Conditions and by seeking confirmation of your booking,

we are entitled to assume that you have done so and

accept the full Terms and Conditions, as the basis for

your contract with Abercrombie & Kent Limited, trading

as “Cox & Kings” of St George’s House, Ambrose Street,

Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 3LG, (registered in England

under company number 1082430 (“we”, “us” and “our”)).

In our Terms and Conditions, “you” and “your” means

all persons named on the booking or any of them as

applicable (including anyone who is added or substituted

at a later date).

1) YOUR CONTRACT

Where you book a holiday with us, your contract will be

with Cox & Kings. By making a booking, you guarantee that

you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf

of your party our Terms and Conditions.

2) BOOKING, PAYMENT AND CONFIRMATION

(a) Full information as to how to make a booking is shown

on our website. A minimum deposit of £250 per person

or 15% of your total holiday cost, whichever is greater,

must be paid at the time of booking. For some holidays,

a higher deposit will be payable or it may be necessary to

make full payment at the time of booking. This is usually

the case where full payment for certain services, such as

your flight, has to be made immediately after your booking

is confirmed in order to secure that service or the price

quoted at the time of booking. Where full payment is

required at the time of booking, 100% cancellation charges

will also apply from confirmation of booking in the event

that you subsequently cancel.

(b) A binding contract between you and Cox & Kings will

come into existence when we issue a confirmation invoice.

Please note, that if you book private travel arrangements

or an extension to a group tour, your accommodation,

flights etc will only be requested by us once the payment

due at the time of booking has been received. Your

confirmation invoice will indicate your requested package

cost and you will be advised of any accommodation, flights

etc that are still on request and not confirmed at the time

the confirmation invoice is issued. We will let you know

once such additional services have been confirmed or,

where we are unable to complete such booking, we will

inform you and discuss alternative options including a

refund where no suitable alternative services are available.

(c) If your confirmed booking includes a flight, we (or if you

booked via an authorised agent of ours, that agent) will

issue you with an ATOL Certificate.

(d) It is your responsibility to check the confirmation

invoice, ATOL Certificate and any other documents we

send you carefully and to let us or your travel agent know

immediately in the event of any error or inaccuracy, as it

may not be possible to make changes later.

(e) The balance of your holiday cost is payable not less

than 75 days prior to departure, unless you are informed

otherwise. If any payment is not received on time, we

are entitled to treat this as a cancellation by you and

cancellation charges will apply in accordance with clause

9(a).

(f) Prices include all government taxes in the amount

applicable at the time of booking that do not have to be

paid locally. Local taxes in destination may be payable in

addition and are your responsibility (such as international

airport departure tax or local resort taxes).

3) REDUCED MOBILITY / MEDICAL CONDITIONS /

DISABILITIES / SPECIAL REQUESTS

The information you are provided with about your holiday

before you make your booking will include a general

indication of the suitability of the holiday for someone

with reduced mobility. However, reduced mobility means

different things to different individuals as individual

capabilities, restrictions and requirements are likely to vary

considerably. Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions

for what to do if you are affected by reduced mobility or

another medical condition, either before or after booking.

4) YOUR TRAVEL AGENT

For flight inclusive bookings, all monies paid to any

authorised travel agent of ours for your holiday with

us will be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the

Trustees of the Air Travel Trust subject to the travel agent’s

obligation to pay such monies to us in accordance with our

trading terms unless we fail. In the unlikely event of our

financial failure, all monies then held by the travel agent or

subsequently paid by you to the travel agent will be held by

the agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees

of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation on the agent

to pay such monies to us.

5) INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that you take out adequate

insurance for your holiday at the time of booking your holiday

and, at the latest, prior to travel. Further information on this

requirement is shown in our full Terms and Conditions.

6) ALTERATION BY YOU

If you wish to make any amendments to your holiday

after it has been confirmed (including where you wish to

transfer your place to someone else), you must inform us

in writing and we will do our best to help. An amendment

fee of £50 per change together with the costs and charges

incurred as a result (including additional supplier costs)

or, for certain alterations, cancellation charges, will be

payable. Please see our full Terms and Conditions for

further information.

If you wish to change any aspect of your holiday after it

has commenced, we and our agents will do our best to

assist, subject to payment locally of all applicable charges

and costs.

If you wish to transfer your place on your booking to

another person (introduced by you), you may do so,

subject to compliance with the following conditions:

a) the person to whom you are transferring your place

satisfies all conditions applicable to the holiday; which

form part of your contract with us.

b) requests for a transfer must be made in writing at least

7 days prior to departure and must be accompanied by the

name and other applicable details of the person who will

replace you.

c) if the balance of the holiday cost is due but has not

been paid when the transfer request is made, this must be

paid before the transfer can be completed. Any additional

payment amount that our suppliers require to effect the

change (if the transfer can be made) will be payable. Please

note, in some cases suppliers such as airlines treat name

changes as a cancellation, levying cancellation charges and

requiring payment for a new ticket. These charges must be

paid by you, before any change can be made.

d) the transferee agrees to our Terms and Conditions and

all other terms of the contract between us.

You and the transferee remain jointly and severally

liable for payment of all sums. If you are unable to find

a replacement, cancellation charges as set out in clause

9 will apply to cover our estimated costs. Otherwise, no

refunds will be given for passengers not travelling or for

unused services.

7) PRE-DEPARTURE CHANGES TO, OR CANCELLATION

OF, YOUR ARRANGEMENTS BY US

(a) Pre-departure Changes

Changes to confirmed holiday arrangements sometimes

need to be made and we reserve the right to do so at any

time. Most changes will be minor and we reserve the right

to make these. Where a minor change is made before

departure, we will notify you in writing. No compensation

is payable for minor changes. Minor changes are likely

to include (but are not limited to) (1) changes to any

destination(s), place(s) of stay or port(s) or place(s) of

call for your holiday which is not a major, confirmed

destination, place of stay or port or place of call and (2)

substitution of a named lecturer and

/or leader for another knowledgeable expert in the same

field. Occasionally, before departure, we may have to make

a significant change to any of the main characteristics

of the travel services which form part of your confirmed

booking or to any special requirements which we have

accepted as referred to in clause 3. Examples of significant

changes can be found in our full Terms and Conditions.

In the event that we have to make a significant change,

we will provide you with the following information in

writing as soon as possible: (i) the proposed alteration(s)

and any impact they have on the price; (ii) in the event

that you do not wish to accept the alteration(s), details

of any substitute package we are able to offer (and any

price reduction where this is of a lower quality or cost);

(iii) your entitlement to cancel your booking and receive a

full refund if you do not want to accept the alteration(s)

or any substitute package offered; and (iv) the period

within which you must inform us of your decision and

what will happen if you don’t do so. We also deem certain

Covid-19 related travel and destination requirements as

minor changes in that we do not expect these changes

to significantly affect the performance of the holiday or

your overall holiday enjoyment. Such changes may include

the requirement to wear face masks, make regular use of

sanitising stations and maintain social distancing. Some

changes may also affect the availability of certain services

and facilities. We expect all guests to adhere to the local

and national guidance that is in force at the destination

and whilst travelling to and from the destination, and the

Company shall have no liability to you if you fail to comply

with those rules and regulations. Where we deem Covid-19

changes to have a significant impact upon your holiday we

will follow the procedure as outlined below

If you choose to cancel your booking, we will refund all

payments you have made to us within 14 days of the date

we receive your written cancellation. If we don’t hear from

you with your decision within the specified period (having

provided you with the above mentioned information for a

second time), we will cancel your booking and refund all

payments made to us within 14 days of our doing so. No

compensation will be payable or other liability accepted

where a change results from Force Majeure (see clause 8).

(b) Pre-departure Cancellation

Occasionally, it may be necessary to cancel confirmed

holiday arrangements and we reserve the right to do so.

In the event: (i) we are prevented from performing your

contracted holiday arrangements as a result of Force

Majeure (see clause 8) and we notify you of this as soon

as reasonably possible; or (ii) we cancel because the

number of persons who have booked the holiday on which

you are travelling is smaller than the minimum number

applicable to the holiday; we have the right to terminate

your contract. In this situation, we will refund all monies

you have paid to us within 14 days of the date we inform

you of the cancellation but will have no further or other

liability to you including in respect of compensation or any

costs or expenses you incur or have incurred. All group

holidays, except those labelled as ‘non-exclusive’, require

a minimum number of bookings before they will operate.

8) FORCE MAJEURE

For the purposes of our Terms and Conditions, Force

Majeure means any event beyond our or our supplier’s

control, the consequences of which could not have been

avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.

Examples include warfare and acts of terrorism (and

threat thereof), civil strife, significant risks to human

health such as such as pandemics, epidemics or the

outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination or

natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather

conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the

travel destination or remain at the travel destination, the

act of any government or other national or local authority

including port or river authorities, industrial dispute,

labour strikes, lock closure, natural or nuclear disaster,

fire, chemical or biological disaster, unavoidable technical

problems with transport, airport, port or airspace closures,

restrictions or congestion and flight restrictions imposed

by any regulatory authority or other third party and all

similar events outside our or the supplier(s) concerned’s

control. Except where otherwise expressly stated in our

Terms and Conditions, we have no liability including for

compensation, costs and expenses in such situations.

9) CANCELLATION BY YOU

(a) You may cancel your confirmed holiday booking at

any time prior to departure. Should you wish to do so,

you must notify us or your travel agent (as applicable) in

writing. Such notification will only be effective on receipt

by us or the travel agent (as applicable).

Cancellation charges will apply as set out below unless you

are otherwise advised at the time of booking. In calculating

these cancellation charges, we have taken account of

possible cost savings and the generation of income from

other bookings which may be able to utilise cancelled

services to the extent this is likely to be achievable for tailormade

holiday arrangements. For some bookings, including

those for which full payment is required at the time of

booking, 100% cancellation charges apply from confirmation

of your booking. Where the cancellation charge is shown

as a percentage, this is calculated on the basis of the total

cost payable by the person(s) cancelling, excluding any

amendment charges which are not refundable.

Days before departure Amount of cancellation

departure notification charges received as a % of

total holiday cost

More than 75 days Deposit(s) (inc any higher

deposit)

60-74 days 30% or deposit(s) if higher

30-59 days 60%

15-29 days 90%

0-14 days 100%

Part cancellation of a booking may result in increased costs

for the remaining party members.

(b) Cancellation charges will not be applicable in the event

that unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur

in the place of destination of your holiday or its immediate

vicinity which significantly affect the performance of the

contracted holiday services or the carriage of passengers

to that destination and as a result you notify us in writing

prior to departure that you wish to cancel your holiday. In

this situation, we will refund all monies you have paid to

206


INFORMATION

us within 14 days of the date you notify us in writing of

your cancellation but will have no further or other liability

to you including in respect of compensation or any costs

or expenses you incur or have incurred. Please note that

your right to cancel in these circumstances will only apply

where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Offce

advises against travel to your destination or its immediate

vicinity. For the purposes of this clause, “unavoidable

and extraordinary circumstances” means warfare, acts of

terrorism, significant risks to human health such as the



conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the

travel destination.

10) PRICES

We reserve the right to make changes to, and correct

errors in, advertised prices at any time before your holiday

is confirmed. While we do our utmost to avoid such a

scenario, due to human or computer error there may on

occasion be an incorrect price shown in a brochure or on

our website. When we become aware of any such error, we

will endeavour to notify you at the time of booking (if we are

then aware of the mistake) or as soon as reasonably possible

after. We do have to reserve all our rights in a situation such

as this which may include cancelling a booking if the actual

price applicable to the Tour is not acceptable to you. We will,

of course, allow you to amend your booking with us, if you

so wish, to an alternative holiday at the correct price.

Occasionally our holiday prices are discounted for a limited

period for promotional purposes. Discounts cannot be

applied retrospectively to reduce the price of a confirmed

booking.

11) YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Offce

Travel Advice: The UK government provides advice on safety

and security, entry requirements and health for countries

around the world, as well as general information, at www.

gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://travelaware.

campaign.gov.uk/. You are strongly recommended to read

the advice about the country you are planning to visit prior

to booking. You should also revisit the advice regularly

prior to your departure as it may change frequently. It is

possible to sign-up to receive FCDO e-mail updates for your

destination so you are aware of any changes to advice they

issue and it is recommended you do this.

(b) Visas: General information concerning visa requirements

applicable is set out in our Documents & Health section.

Please also see our full Terms and Conditions for further

information.

(c) Passports: A full passport (valid for at least six months

beyond the end of your holiday) is required for the holidays

we offer. Please see our Documents & Health section for

full details or seek the advice of our travel consultants.

Requirements may change and you must check the up-todate

requirements in good time before departure. See our

full Terms and Conditions for further information.

(d) Health: It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware

of all recommended and required vaccinations and health

precautions in good time before departure. See our full

Terms and Conditions for further information.

(e) Documents: It is the responsibility of the person who

makes the booking to ensure that all members of the

party are in possession of all necessary travel and health

documents and have all necessary vaccination certificates

before departure.

12) OUR LIABILITY

(i) We will accept responsibility for the arrangements we

agree to provide or arrange for you as an “organiser”

under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements

Regulations 2018, as set out below and as such, we are

responsible for the proper provision of all travel services

included in your package, as set out in your confirmation

invoice. Subject to our Terms and Conditions, if we or our

suppliers negligently perform or arrange those services

and we don’t remedy or resolve your complaint within

a reasonable period of time, and this has affected the

enjoyment of your package holiday you may be entitled to

an appropriate price reduction or compensation or both.

You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to

perform or improper performance of the travel services

included in this package. The level of any such price

reduction or compensation will be calculated taking into

consideration all relevant factors such as but not limited

to: following the complaints procedure as described in our

Terms and Conditions and the extent to which ours or our

employees’ or suppliers’ negligence affected the overall

enjoyment of your holiday. Please note that it is your

responsibility to show that we or our supplier(s) have been

negligent if you wish to make a claim against us.

(ii) We will not be responsible for any injury, illness,

death, loss (including loss of possessions or enjoyment),

damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any nature

whatsoever which results from any of the following: (1)

the act(s) and / or omission(s) of the person(s) affected;

or (2) the act(s) and / or omission(s) of a third party not

connected with the provision of your holiday and which

were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or (3) Force Majeure

as defined in clause 8.

(iii) We cannot accept responsibility for any services that

do not form part of our contract with you. This includes,

for example, any additional services or facilities that

your hotel, cruise provider or any other supplier agrees

to provide for you where the services or facilities are not

advertised in our brochure or on our website as forming

part of your holiday and we have not agreed to arrange

them as part of our contract, and any excursion / activities

you purchase while away.

(iv) Except as set out in clause 12(v), no limitation on the

amount of damages which can be claimed will apply

in respect of personal injury or death which we or our

employees have caused intentionally or negligently or in

respect of any other liability which we cannot limit under

English law. For all claims concerning or arising out of

loss of, delay and / or damage to any luggage or personal

possessions (including money) for which we are liable, the

maximum amount we will have to pay you is an amount

equivalent to the excess on your insurance policy which

applies to this type of loss per person in total because

you are required to have adequate insurance in place to

cover any losses of this kind, unless a different limitation

applies to your claim under clause 12(vi) below. For all

other claims, if we are found liable to you on any basis,

the maximum amount we will have to pay you is up to

three times the total price of your holiday unless a lower

limitation applies to your claim under clause 12(v) below.

re any claim or part of a claim (including those involving

death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any

travel arrangements (including the process of getting on

and / or off the transport concerned)provided by any air,

rail or sea carrier to which any international convention or

EU regulation applies, our liability (including the maximum

amount of compensation we will have to pay you, the types

of claim and the circumstances in which compensation

will be payable) will be limited as if we were the carrier in

question as referred to below. The most we will have to

pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found

liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier concerned

would have to pay under the international convention

or EU regulation that applies to the travel arrangements

in question (for example, the Warsaw Convention as

amended or unamended and the Montreal Convention

(v) for international travel by air and / or, for airlines with

an operating license granted by an EU country, the EC

Regulation on Air Carrier Liability No 889/2002 for national

and international travel by air, EC Regulation 392/2009

on the liability of carriers of passengers in the event of

accidents and / or the Athens Convention (as amended

by the 2002 Protocol) for international carriage by sea

and the Convention of 1980 concerning International

Travel by Rail (COTIF) as amended for travel by rail). Where

a carrier would not be obliged to make any payment to

you under the applicable international convention or EU

regulation (including where any claim is not notified and

issued in accordance with the time limits stipulated in

the applicable convention or regulation), we similarly are

not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or

part of the claim. Please also note that strict time limits

apply for notifying loss, damage or delay of luggage to the

airline. Any proceedings in respect of any claim (including

one for personal injury or death) must be brought within 2

years of the date stipulated in the applicable convention or

regulation. You are not entitled to make any claim against

us which concerns or is based on any travel arrangements

provided by any air, rail or sea carrier if such a claim is not

expressly permitted to be brought against the carrier by

the international convention or regulation that applies

to the travel arrangements in question. When making

any payment, we will deduct any payment that you have

received or are entitled to receive from the carrier for the

complaint or claim in question. Copies of the applicable

international conventions and regulations are available

from us on request.

(vi) We cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss,

expense or other sum(s) of any description (1) which on the

basis of the information given to us by you concerning your

booking prior to our accepting it, we could not reasonably

have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our

contract with you or (2) which did not result from any breach

of contract or other fault by ourselves or our employees

or, where we are responsible for them, our suppliers.

Additionally, we cannot accept liability for any expenses or

losses that relate to or arise from any business (including

without limitation, self-employed loss of earnings), or any

indirect or consequential loss of any kind.

(vii) Where it is impossible for you to return to your

departure point as per the agreed return date of

your package, due to “unavoidable and extraordinary

circumstances”, we shall provide you with any necessary

accommodation (where possible, of a comparable

standard) for a period not exceeding 3 nights per

person. Please note that the 3-night cap does not apply

to persons with reduced mobility, pregnant women or

unaccompanied minors, nor to persons needing specific

medical assistance, provided we have been notified of

these particular needs at least 48 hours before the start of

your holiday. For the purposes of this clause, “unavoidable

and extraordinary circumstances” mean warfare, acts of

terrorism, significant risks to human health such as the



conditions which make it impossible to travel safely back

to your departure point.

13) PREGNANCY

Some of our activities may not be appropriate for an

individual that is pregnant. Please see our full Terms and

Conditions for details of what to do if you are pregnant

when booking or become pregnant after completing a

booking.

14) MINORS

Some of our activities may not be appropriate for people

under the age of 18. Please see our full Terms and

Conditions for details of what to do if you wish to include a

minor in your booking.

15) PUBLIC HEALTH: COMMUNICABLE OR INFECTIOUS

DISEASES

Our full Terms and Conditions contain information

regarding our approach to communicable or infectious

diseases and the steps to be followed in the event you are

affected by one.

16) TRANSPORTATION (INCLUDING DELAY)

(a) Air, rail, road and other departure times are supplied by

the carriers. Please see our full Terms and Conditions for

details of our responsibility in the event of delay.

(b) If your flight is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket

is downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline,

depending on the circumstances, the airline may be

required to pay you compensation, refund the cost of your

flight and / or provide you with accommodation and / or

refreshments under EC Regulation No 261/2004 (denied

boarding and flight disruption). Please see our full Terms

and Conditions for further information.

17) COMPLAINTS AND PROBLEMS

If you have a complaint about any of the holiday

arrangements booked with or through Cox & Kings, you

must follow the complaint procedure set out in our full

Terms and Conditions.

18) FINANCIAL SECURITY

The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements 2018

require us to provide security for the monies that UK

residents pay for the package holidays booked with us and

for their repatriation in the event of our insolvency. We

provide this security for our flight-inclusive holidays by way

of our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) (number 2881)

administered by the Civil Aviation Authority. When you buy

an ATOL protected flight or flight-inclusive package from

us, you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what

is financially protected, where you can get information

on what this means for you and who to contact if things

go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL

Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the

ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases,

where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for

reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may

provide you with services you have bought or a suitable

alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept

that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder

will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any

money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract

to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree

that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an

alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled

to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit

card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers

identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide

the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an

alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of

insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make

a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL

scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or

benefit, you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims

which you have or may have arising out of or relating to

the non-provision of the services, including any claim

against us, the travel agent or your credit card issuer

where applicable. You also agree that any such claims may

be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has

paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. The

price of our flight-inclusive holiday packages includes the

amount of £2.50 per person which is the ATOL Protection

Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is

included in our advertised prices. For further information,

visit the ATOL website at: www.atol.org.uk.

We provide full financial protection for our package

holidays which don’t include flights, by way of a bond held

by ABTA Ltd, The Travel Association 30 Park Street London

SE1 9EQ www.abta.co.uk.

19) LAW AND JURISDICTION

Your relationship (and any contract you may have) with

us and any dispute, claim or other matters of any nature

arising from it (“claim”) shall be governed by and construed

in accordance with English law. We both agree that any claim

(whether or not involving any personal injury) that arises

between us must be dealt with under the ABTA arbitration

scheme (if the scheme is available for the claim in question

and you wish to use it) or by the Courts of England and

Wales only unless, in the case of Court proceedings, you

live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In this case, you may

choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern

Ireland (as applicable) if you wish to do so.


207

THE COX & KINGS DIFFERENCES

EST. 1758

OVER 260 YEARS

OF EXPERIENCE

AWARD-WINNING

SERVICE

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE &

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS

GENUINELY

SMALL GROUP TOURS

YOUR MONEY IS

FULLY PROTECTED

For full details visit CoxandKings.co.uk

CoxandKings.co.uk

101 St Martins Lane, London, WC2N 4AZ

020 4502 8398

Registered offce: Abercrombie & Kent Limited, trading as Cox & Kings, St George’s House, Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3LG | Registered in England No. 1082430

2881

ABTA No.V6398

5154

Worldwide 2024-25

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